News
Western Quayside development reaches the top
A KEY development milestone was reached this month with a ‘topping out’ ceremony held at Western Quayside, Haverfordwest’s multi-million regeneration project.
John Weaver (Contractors) Ltd have now reached and finished the highest point of the flagship development and work is on track for hand over for internal works later in the year.
The former Ocky White department store has been transformed into a modern and stylish accessible to all three-storey development that will feature a multi-user food emporium along with a restaurant, bar and roof-top terrace.
Senior Council members, officers and contractors gathered on the roof terrace to celebrate the ‘topping out’ after receiving a tour of the site.
Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Tom Tudor said: “Combined with other initiatives taking place, I am very optimistic that Haverfordwest town centre will become a thriving commercial and residential location of choice, creating a distinct destination and sense of place.
“The Pembrokeshire County Council scheme incorporates public realm improvements including an attractive waterfront square with space for events which could extend its use into the early evening. The project is anticipated to be complete next year which is very exciting news for Haverfordwest, our County Town of Pembrokeshire.”
“Western Quayside is an integral part of our vision to revitalise Haverfordwest town centre and it is fantastic to see this ambitious regeneration project moving forward,” said Council Leader Cllr David Simpson.
Ceri Best, Commercial Director of John Weaver Contractors, said: “We are extremely privileged and honoured to be the Principal Design and Build Contractor on the redevelopment of the former historical Ocky Whites Store in the heart of Haverfordwest.
“The collaborative partnership developed with Pembrokeshire County Council and their consultant teams has ensured the constraints and challenges faced were overcome to allow works to continue concurrently and thus mitigating further delays to the contract programme. We look forward to our countdown to practical completion and the delivery of a quality flagship project for Pembrokeshire County Council.”
Anthony Hayward, Construction Team Manager at PCC added: “The topping out ceremony marks a key milestone in what has been an extremely challenging project, it also gave opportunity to commend the entire project team who have worked collaboratively to deliver this new transformational development.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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