News
£11.6m Western Quayside development ‘will change fortune of the town,’ say council
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
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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