THE NEWLY renovated multi-purpose visitor centre was officially opened at Milford Haven Museum yesterday evening by Cllr Colin Sharp (Mayor of Milford Haven, and Chair of Milford Haven Museum) and chief executive of the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don. A number of guests attended including Trustees and friends of Milford Haven Museum, the team from the Port of Milford Haven who managed the project, businesses from around Milford Waterfront, and local trades people and contractors who were involved in the project throughout.

The revamped facility means that the existing museum reception area is now a flexible space which can be used for events, and can now offer extra services such as information for tourists, mini golf, bookings for the new Discover Coast and Cleddau boat trips, plus public conveniences. The investment was made by the Port not only to enhance the visitor experience at Milford Waterfront, but to provide the museum with a sustainable source of income.

It truly was a Milford Waterfront event, with catering supplied by Martha’s Vineyard, and the ribbon was kindly donated by In House Crafts.

Clare Stowell, Director of Property and Tourism at the Port of Milford Haven, is delighted with the new visitor centre. She commented “This project was completed within just a couple of months to ensure it was ready for the Easter holidays. I’m really pleased that the museum trustees and volunteers collaborated with us on this venture as it will generate additional funds for the charity and raise their profile.”

She continued “The Port is investing in its tourism offering substantially this year with the introduction of boat trips, a holiday let, the build of four floatel cabins within the marina and a busy calendar of events. Added to this we have recruited a new Tourism Manager, Boat Trip Skipper, Activities and Events Co-ordinator and will shortly be advertising for seasonal staff who will all be working towards attracting more visitors to Milford Waterfront and providing a fantastic experience whilst they’re here.”

Colin Sharp, Museum Chair and Town Mayor, said “The teams at the museum and Milford Waterfront have been working closely together to improve the entrance and introduce a visitor centre. The changes have proven to be amazing and, with an improved mini golf course next to the museum, it shows how two organisations can work together for the benefit of local residents and visitors to Milford Haven. We look forward to future developments”.

Milford Haven Museum is open Easter to October, Monday to Saturday from 10.30am until 4pm.

In the photo: Alec Don and Councillor Colin Sharp cut the ribbon at Milford Haven Museum’s new visitor centre