News

£11.6m Western Quayside development ‘will change fortune of the town,’ say council

Published

3 years ago

July 6, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE £11.6m Western Quayside redevelopment of Haverfordwest will “change the fortune of the town,” senior councillors heard.

The Western Quayside is currently under construction on the site of the town’s former Ocky White department store.

It comprises a state-of-the-art, accessible-to-all, three-storey development which will feature a multi-user food emporium, along with a restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace.

Construction work commenced in 2021 by John Weaver Contractors Ltd, and the project was originally expected to be completed in early 2023.

Work was temporarily delayed last year following the discovery of ancient artefacts and human remains dating back to the 14th century, however throughout the delay the construction team was able to proceed with work in other areas of the site.

There were also delays due to the presence of asbestos.

At the July 3 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members heard an update on the development, which also listed delays and cost increases.

“A budget increase was considered by Cabinet in December 2022 with an addition of £5.527m (including fit-out) for the Western Quayside Scheme, to provide a revised total budget of £11,624m,” the report stated.

Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change Cllr Paul Miller said: “Western Quayside has not been without its challenges, Covid, the burial site and inflationary issues, in part due to the war in Ukraine; all three were pretty unforeseeable.”

He told members the principal works were expected to be completed later this year, along with marketing the site to prospective tenants, with the hope of encouraging local business.

“Western Quayside, on its own, will not transform Haverfordwest, but as part of a package it will, including the Riverside Centre and the [transport] interchange and the revitalised castle.”

Moving the report be noted, he added: “I absolutely remain convinced the package we’re delivering will be transformational for Haverfordwest and the surrounding area.”

Cabinet Member for Planning & Housing Delivery Cllr Jon Harvey seconded the recommendation, emphasising the large amount of grant funding received for the project.

“Personally, I’d rather get as much central and Welsh Government money into Pembrokeshire as we can, it will be a real attraction for the town, it will push the town into a different dynamic,” he said.

“When you invest publicly into town centres it’s not long afterwards that private invests; we will see a change in the town centre.”

Cllr Miller added: “We had to do something about Haverfordwest town centre, the previous plan seemed to be to let it wither on the vine.

“We’re absolutely going to change the fortune of that town centre,” adding: “Haverfordwest can look forward to a much brighter future than would otherwise be the case.”

Members agreed to note the report.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

8 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

9 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

10 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.