A SCHEME to refurbish a quayside building in Haverfordwest’s conservation area, along with works to the existing Haverhub community hub has been backed by county planners.

The application, by Gitti Coats, for the refurbishment and extension of Haverfordwest’s Quayside Building to form multi-functional community spaces, along with an extension to the bar building to create a first-floor terrace at Quay Street was recommended for conditional approval at the November 5 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee.

A report for planners said: “The application site comprises of two existing buildings and associated outdoor area located within the Quayside area of Haverfordwest.  One of the buildings is known as the Quayside Building, which fronts the quayside and is currently vacant. The second building, which currently addresses Quay Street to the west, is known as the ‘Haverhub’ community hub.”

The Grade-II-listed Haverhub building, is a former post office, described as “a finely designed neoGeorgian Post Office in Bath stone,” built in 1934-6 for the General Post Office (GPO), and “is an example of the high quality neo-Georgian post offices of the inter-war period”.

A report for planners said the Quayside building would increase in height from approximately 7.9 metres to 11.7 metres with the creation of a second floor and accommodation within the roof space, the ground floor utilised for space in connection with a performance space within the Haverhub building.

To the first floor would be a multi-function room, which would also connect to a proposed bar area and associated first floor terrace which includes outdoor seating.  The second floor of the Quayside building would include a second multi-function and meeting room.

The main Haverhub building would be extended to provide a gallery and entrance lobby.  The existing bar and kitchen would also be extended.

The Haverhub building was granted a change of use to a community hub in 2018, with the use and building benefiting from a ground floor internal outdoor courtyard area, which is located below the proposed first floor terrace.

The report said that, as there is already an outside space for the community hub to utilise “the addition of the first-floor seating area would not create a significantly greater impact in terms of noise generation or impact on amenity than the existing outdoor area to the ground floor”.

Speaking at the November 5 meeting, Gitti Coates said Haverhub had spent the last eight years “recognising the real value of abandoned buildings,” with “a desire to see something positive happening for the town”.

She said the “iconic” quayside building had been purchased with “a significant contribution from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Enhancing Pembrokeshire fund”.

Committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who moved approval, described the scheme as “marvellous,” saying it would be “a distinct improvement” to the area, with Haverhub “doing the most remarkable job in trying to regenerate the town”.

Cllr Mark Carter said: “A wonderful scheme, something the town is going to be proud of.”

The application was unanimously approved by members.

THE soulful, genre-bending blues act, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, is set to take the main stage on Friday at Tenby Blues Festival, bringing their high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soul.

Ranked #3 on both the Roots Music Report UK and the UK IBBA Most Played chart in September 2024, Pat Fulgoni’s latest album, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, has captured the hearts of blues lovers across the UK. Released on September 27, 2024, the album has received praise for its dynamic fusion of blues, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Drifter,” “Keep The Blues Alive,” and “Stickin’ the Knife in Blues” showcase Fulgoni’s powerful vocals, which have been hailed by Billboard magazine, describing him as a singer who “could sing a pearl from its oyster.”

The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience began as a spontaneous lineup supporting a food bank fundraiser in Huddersfield. Since then, Fulgoni and his band have performed at numerous blues festivals, from Colne Blues to Blues Alive in the Czech Republic, and have built a reputation as a sought-after live act. The band’s lineup features rising guitar talent Jacob Beckwith, alongside the rhythm section of bassist Rory Wells and drummer Zebedee Sylvester, with Sam Bolt on piano. Together, they deliver a distinctive blend of original tracks and classic covers, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Midnight Train.”

For fans of soulful, energetic blues, don’t miss Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience this Friday at Tenby Blues Festival. More information and music are available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other platforms.

Track Listing:

1. Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
2. Drifter
3. Keep The Blues Alive
4. Midnight Train
5. Bleeding Heart
6. Lady Day & John Coltrane
7. Confusion Blues
8. The Thrill Is Gone
9. Stickin’ the Knife in Blues

For press inquiries, contact Matt at Chocolate Fireguard on 07974 675244 or email [email protected].

For more updates, follow Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience on Facebook @patfulgonibluesexperience or explore their latest releases on Bandcamp.

Flamingo Bingo Christmas Tour 2024 Brings Festive Fun to Milford Haven! Hosted by Coronation Street Star Antony Cotton

Get ready to jingle all the way as the Flamingo Bingo Christmas Tour returns to Pembrokeshire! On Saturday, 7th December, the Hangar will host the ultimate Christmas party, led by none other than Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton.

This isn’t just bingo – it’s a full-blown festive bash, and Cotton, known for his role as Sean Tully on Corrie, will be at the helm, bringing his signature charm and humour to the night’s festivities. From 6:00 pm to midnight, attendees can expect an evening packed with outrageous games, live music, and plenty of holiday spirit.

Dress to Impress for a £50 Prize
Partygoers are encouraged to don their most festive attire, with a £50 prize up for grabs for the best dressed. Think Santa suits, sparkling Christmas jumpers, or even a few reindeer antlers – the more creative, the better!

What’s on the Naughty and Nice List?
For those new to Flamingo Bingo, this isn’t your average bingo night. Here’s a taste of what to expect:

Insane Prizes: Win big with festive prizes that will keep you grinning all the way through December.
Live Music: Dance and sing along to your favourite holiday hits and classic party anthems.
False Call Forfeits: Make a false bingo call? Prepare for a festive forfeit!
Ridiculous Dance-Offs: Get ready to show off your best moves in some hilariously competitive dance-offs.
Confetti Galore: What’s a Christmas party without a shower of confetti to add a magical sparkle?

Tickets Selling Fast!
Single tickets and tables go on sale Sunday at 7 pm, and these events are known to sell out quickly. Flamingo Bingo is a crowd favourite in West Wales, so be sure to snag your spot early!

If you’re looking to start the Christmas season with a bang, there’s no better place to be. Grab your mates, get your festive gear ready, and prepare for a night of laughter, games, and pure holiday joy. It’s going to be the wildest night in West Wales, and you won’t want to miss a second!

Tickets available here: https://tinyurl.com/yr3xp85v