New centres proposed for Milford Haven and Pembroke as ageing facilities face replacement

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Cabinet has approved a major investment programme aimed at transforming leisure facilities across the county.

The multi-million-pound Leisure Investment Programme includes plans for new leisure centres in Milford Haven and Pembroke, alongside a £4.6 million package to repair and extend the life of Tenby’s swimming pool.

Cabinet members were told that both Pembroke and Milford Haven leisure centres are reaching the end of their usable life. Pembroke Leisure Centre opened in 1974, while Milford Haven’s facility followed in 1984, ten years after the site’s original swimming pool.

The report highlighted that maintaining the ageing buildings would require millions of pounds in ongoing repairs, with replacement now seen as the most sustainable long-term solution.

For Milford Haven, Cabinet approved £1.2 million to develop detailed plans, including design work and pre-construction activity. The proposed new leisure centre would be built alongside the town’s planned new primary and secondary school development.

In Pembroke, councillors agreed £195,000 to carry out feasibility studies for a new leisure centre on the existing site.

Meanwhile, Tenby’s swimming pool will receive a £4.6 million capital grant awarded to the Tenby and District Swimming Pool Association, which owns the facility. The funding is expected to extend the pool’s lifespan by at least ten years, allowing time to explore longer-term options, including possible integration with future secondary school provision in the town.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said the decision marked a major step forward.

He said: “We have taken a significant step towards delivering leisure facilities that are fit for the future and meet the needs of our communities.

“We are committed to providing high-quality sports and leisure provision across Pembrokeshire, and where significant investment is required, we will not shy away from it. These facilities play a vital role in supporting long-term health and wellbeing.”

Council confirms advanced discussions as speculation grows over high street boost

HAVERFORDWEST could soon see a major high street revival, with a national retailer in advanced talks to take over the former Wilko building in the town centre.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, with a deal potentially just weeks — or even days — away.

Speaking to The Herald, Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said the authority is in “detailed discussions with a major national retailer” over the prominent vacant unit.

However, he declined to name the business involved, citing commercial confidentiality.

Speculation grows

Despite the secrecy, speculation has been mounting locally that clothing giant Primark could be the retailer preparing to move into the site.

The size of the former Wilko store — one of the largest retail units in the town — has led many to believe only a handful of national chains would be able to occupy the space.

When asked directly whether Primark was involved, Cllr Miller did not confirm the claim, but also did not deny it.

Work already underway

The council has taken steps to prepare the building for a new tenant following Wilko’s collapse into administration.

This includes carrying out essential structural repairs, particularly to the roof, funded through a combination of council investment and an interest-free Welsh Government town centre loan.

Cllr Miller said the aim is to deliver a “blank canvas” for a new retailer, who would then invest further in fitting out the store.

He added that any incoming tenant would likely spend “millions” preparing the unit before opening.

Boost for town centre

The arrival of a major national retailer would represent a significant boost for Haverfordwest, which has faced challenges in recent years with declining footfall and the loss of several well-known stores.

The Wilko closure left a large gap in the town centre, both physically and economically, and securing a new anchor tenant is seen as key to revitalising the high street.

If confirmed, the move could increase visitor numbers, support surrounding businesses, and help restore confidence in the town’s retail future.

Deal ‘close’

Cllr Miller indicated that negotiations are at an advanced stage.

He said: “I’d like to think we’re talking weeks, not months — maybe even days, but these things can change.”

While no formal agreement has yet been announced, the timeline suggests a decision could be imminent.

What happens next

Until a deal is formally signed, the identity of the retailer remains unconfirmed.

However, with negotiations progressing and work underway on the building, expectations are growing that a major announcement could soon follow.

For now, all eyes remain on Haverfordwest — and on whether one of the UK’s biggest retail names is about to arrive.

We have contacted Primark for a comment.

Council outlines major plans for town with backing from Welsh Government

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a major transformation with nearly £200 million of public investment planned, including a new school, leisure centre and upgraded railway station, The Herald can reveal.

In an interview with this newspaper, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller, said the town’s long-awaited regeneration was now firmly underway, with some projects already moving into delivery after years of planning.

The announcement represents one of the largest single waves of public investment ever proposed for Milford Haven.

New £140m school by 2030

The centrepiece of the investment is a £140 million co-located primary and secondary school, which is expected to open by 2030.

The Labour Group leader said the project had now passed a key Welsh Government approval stage, allowing it to move into the delivery phase.

He said: “This is not a ‘might happen’ — this is happening. We can now say with confidence that we’re going to open a new primary and secondary school in Milford Haven in 2030.”

The development will bring together English-medium primary and secondary education on a single site. While initially operating as two separate schools, the model could evolve into an all-through school for pupils aged three to sixteen.

The funding will largely come through Welsh Government’s school investment programme, with Pembrokeshire County Council contributing around 30 percent of the total cost.

The project is expected to modernise education provision in the town and replace ageing facilities.

Leisure centre plan takes shape

Alongside the school, the council has approved plans for a new leisure centre to replace the ageing Meads facility.

While still at an earlier stage, the project is expected to cost more than £50 million and will include a new swimming pool, upgraded gym facilities, and modern leisure provision for families.

Cllr Miller said: “The Meads has served its purpose, but it’s looking tired and reaching the end of its useful life. This will be a fantastic new facility for the town.”

The council is expected to fund the project directly, with leisure centres generating income through public use.

However, no firm construction start date or completion timeline has yet been confirmed, with feasibility work still ongoing.

Station upgrade to begin next month

A £16 million upgrade of Milford Haven railway station is set to begin next month, with completion expected by 2027.

The scheme will see significant improvements, including better links to Havens Head Retail Park, expanded parking, improved bus interchange, and platform extensions to accommodate longer intercity trains.

The work is also expected to enhance accessibility and modernise the station environment.

Cllr Miller said: “Starting on site next month is fantastic news for Milford Haven.”

Push to restore London rail link

Cllr Miller confirmed that efforts are ongoing to restore direct rail services between Milford Haven and London Paddington.

He said discussions are taking place with Welsh Government, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, as well as Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell.

Direct services last operated in the late 1990s, when InterCity 125 trains connected west Wales to London.

Cllr Miller said he was “hopeful and optimistic” that a deal could be reached, but stopped short of confirming a timeline.

Major retailer in talks for Wilko site

The council is also in advanced discussions with a major national retailer to take over the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest, one of the town’s most prominent vacant retail units.

Cllr Miller said a deal could be agreed within “weeks — maybe even days”.

He confirmed the council is investing in essential structural repairs, including roofing works, to prepare the building for occupation.

A new tenant would then carry out a multi-million pound fit-out before opening.

While the retailer has not been named, speculation locally has centred on Primark — something not confirmed, but also not denied during the interview.

The move is expected to provide a significant boost to footfall in Haverfordwest town centre, which has faced challenges in recent years following a number of retail closures.

‘Milford Haven’s turn’

Cllr Miller rejected suggestions the announcements were timed to coincide with upcoming elections.

He said: “These are not things we dreamed up yesterday as part of an election campaign. These are things we’ve been working on for years.”

He added: “It is Milford Haven’s turn. It is not forgotten — we are determined to invest in its future.”

The comments reflect a long-standing perception among some residents that Milford Haven has been overlooked compared to other parts of Pembrokeshire.

Questions remain

While firm commitments have been made on the school and railway station, other elements — including the leisure centre’s final cost and the return of direct London rail services — remain subject to further agreement.

With construction on the station due to begin within weeks and a major retail deal potentially days away, Milford Haven could be on the brink of significant change.

However, residents are likely to watch closely to see how quickly these ambitious plans move from announcement to delivery.