IT has been announced this week (Aug 5) that Pembrokeshire County Council and community partner Haverfordwest Castle CIO have received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a project called Haverfordwest Castle: Pembrokeshire’s Heritage Gateway.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to transform the disused Grade II Listed County Gaol building at the heart of the site into a state-of-the-art interactive discovery centre, telling the story of Pembrokeshire’s past, and its potential future in a fun and engaging way.

Development funding of £368,525 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help the partnership progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant next year to deliver the scheme.

As well as developing the Old Gaol building, the project aims to complete a full re-fit and re-interpretation of Haverfordwest Town Museum in the adjacent Governor’s House, new outdoor interpretation in the castle, new branding, website and marketing strategy.

An activities, events and education programme is also planned with pilot workshops and public focus groups commencing autumn 2024 to help shape this. Volunteer and work experience opportunities will also be available.

The County Gaol and Governor’s House were first built within the walls of Haverfordwest castle in 1779. The gaol housed over 400 French prisoners of war in 1797 following the failed last invasion of Britain at Fishguard. The gaol was rebuilt in 1820 and in 1878, it was converted into the headquarters of Pembrokeshire Constabulary.

PCC acquired the castle in 1963, when the gaol became home to Pembrokeshire Records Office and Museum and since 2013 when the archives relocated to Prendergast it has stood empty, until now.

Commenting on the award, Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. The Castle has been the heart of Haverfordwest and indeed Pembrokeshire for well over 900 years and it’s wonderful to know that we are one step closer to preserving it and reinventing it for future generations.”

The creation of a flagship heritage attraction in Haverfordwest was first conceived over 10 years ago and has been driven by a loyal and committed group of community stakeholders.

Haverfordwest Castle CIO the new, not-for-profit, independent charity that has emerged from this stakeholder group, will run the castle, museum and visitor attraction for the benefit of the community.

The new charity has worked very closely with Haverfordwest Town Museum, which, in due course will legally become part of the new entity, so that the two attractions can function as one.

Ted Sangster, Chair of Trustees for Haverfordwest Castle CIO said: “We are delighted to be a partner with Pembrokeshire County Council on this important regeneration project. We’re very optimistic that the attraction will provide a new focus for visitors to come to Haverfordwest and lead to a much needed economic boost for this historically and culturally rich community.”

Andrew White, Director for The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said: “It is exciting to be able to award initial funding for this project that we know will bring the culture, history, and heritage of this part of Haverfordwest to life. It is encouraging to know that the Castle will continue to play a role within the community for years to come.”