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Members ‘encouraged’ after Riverside purchase call-in

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MEMBERS of the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee have been reassured following the call in of a Cabinet members’ decision to look into the purchase of Haverfordwest Riverside.

A number of councillors had been concerned about the decision to appoint a consultant to develop and evaluate proposals for the site’s redevelopment because of the Council’s budgetary position.

Cabinet member for Economy and Tourism, Cllr Paul Miller, made his decision at the end of April as part of wider council plans to revitalise the Town of Haverfordwest.

However, on May 3, that decision was called in by Cllrs Jamie Adams, David Pugh, Brian Hall and Di Clements.

A special meeting of the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee was called for Tuesday, May 14.
During the meeting a number of points were raised but it was highlighted that the money for the consultants would not be coming out the tax payers money.

At this stage the Council would only be looking at whether or not they should purchase the site and are asking consultants to look into it.

Members were reassured by what they had heard and asked for an update at their September meeting.

Cllr Jamie Adams said that there needed to be some understanding of the desire of the people to see council tax money well spent and added that his worry was that they would be further burdening tax payers.

Cllr Miller said he was very concerned that the Pembrokeshire was becoming a disconnected retirement county but highlighted his strategy for improving the county.

He added that he wanted to get Pembrokeshire better connected in terms of broadband, ensuring that Pembrokeshire has an offer adding that although they were ‘well endowed’ with natural assets, it wasn’t enough ‘on its own’.

His third point was to make sure that the county is discovered and said: “Let’s appoint the right people to guide us through this.”

Cllr Bob Summons asked a number of questions including what due dilligence had been done.

Cllr Miller said some had already been done but added that the majority of it would come when the business case would be considered.

Cllr Summons said that town centres were dying because of online shopping and asked what could be done.

Cllr Miller outlined that the area being considered included Haverfordwest Castle, Bridge Street, the Ocky White building, the Riverside Shopping centre and that redeveloping the multi-storey car park was an area of interest.

He went on to say they would be relying on external consultants as they didn’t have the in-house resources to do so.

A report to the committee stated that finance officers had not been involved but when challenged, Council Leader David Simpson said that they had been involved in discussions over the last two years, just not on the specifics of the project.

Cllr Adams added that the meeting to discuss the concept had only happened on Monday, after the call-in, and asked was it a case of the ‘stable door being bolted after the horse is out’.

Cllr Bob Kilmister said a meeting had been scheduled but because he was away it was put back to Monday.

Cllr Adams asked if it had also been discussed at a meeting of the Strategic Asset Management group.

Cllr Paul Miller said it hadn’t but added that when the business case was made they would be involved.

Cllr Adams also asked about further investment in Bridge Street and Cllr Miller said there would be as part of the Castle project.

He went on to say that the Welsh Government were also involved in this and that they had been asking for all sorts of information.

Cllr Brian Hall warned the Cabinet to ‘be cautious’ or risk the situation coming back to bite them.

After hearing what had been said a number of members were reassured by what had gone on and Cllr David Pugh said he admired the Cabinet’s ambition.

Cllr Simon Hancock asked what the consequences would be if they did nothing adding that he was supportive of the Council trying to do the right thing.

Cllr Tony Wilcox added: “To not engage specialists would be remiss of us. We’ve got to at least go through this process.”

Cllr Tim Evans added he was ‘really encouraged’ by what he had heard and added the consultants would tell them whether this was right or wrong saying: “It’s something we’ve got to go through with.”

Members agreed that an update report should be presented to them at their September meeting.

 

Business

Could Primark be coming to Haverfordwest? Major retailer in talks for former Wilko site

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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.

Cllr Paul Miller

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.

Primark is one of the only non-supermarket retailers in the UK who would be able to make use of the huge floorspace at the Wilko building

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.

The old Wilko store is located in a central location in Haverfordwest

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.

Previous vision: A cancelled 2017 concept of a new cinema at the Wilko site

 

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Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

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FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

 

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Charity

RNLI lifeguards save more than 300 lives in Wales as patrols return for Easter

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RNLI LIFEGUARDS have saved more than 300 lives in Wales since patrols were first introduced in Pembrokeshire in 2008, as the charity prepares to return to beaches for the Easter holidays.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution said its lifeguards have saved 315 lives across Wales, aided more than 45,000 people, and responded to over 26,000 incidents. They have also carried out more than six million preventative actions to stop situations becoming emergencies.

The service, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, will see lifeguards return to key Welsh beaches from Saturday (Mar 28) as schools break up for Easter.

In Pembrokeshire, patrols will resume at Whitesands, St Davids, from March 28 to April 12, and at Tenby South from April 3 to April 6.

The RNLI said its lifeguards play a crucial role in keeping beachgoers safe, with around 95 per cent of their work focused on prevention, including advising swimmers, identifying hazards, and educating visitors.

Tom John, a Lifeguard Supervisor in Swansea who joined the service in 2009, said: “We’ve seen more people visiting our beaches each year. While the fundamentals remain the same, we are now a much more proactive service.

“Our training and equipment are excellent, and we have a brilliant team. This time of year is always special as lifeguards return with energy and enthusiasm for the season ahead.”

He added that lifeguards spend much of their time engaging with the public, offering safety advice, and helping people understand the risks before incidents occur.

Across Wales, more than 35 beaches are now patrolled by RNLI lifeguards, forming part of a wider UK network covering over 245 beaches.

The charity is urging anyone heading to the coast this Easter to choose a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags.

Visitors are also advised to check weather and tide conditions, understand local hazards, and carry a means of calling for help when taking part in water activities.

The RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice remains central to its safety message. Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water is urged to float on their back, keeping their airway clear until help arrives.

In an emergency, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The RNLI said its lifeguards will continue to play a vital role in protecting coastal communities and visitors as demand on beaches grows year on year.

 

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