PLANS for a new £100 million school in Milford Haven have been unveiled, but the project has not yet secured full approval and remains subject to further funding decisions.

Pembrokeshire County Council this week released details of the proposed development, alongside a professionally produced video featuring First Minister Eluned Morgan, senior council figures and school leaders outlining the vision for a modern, state-of-the-art school.

The announcement comes just seven weeks before the Senedd election.

The proposed scheme would see the development of a new, purpose-built school designed to provide modern learning environments for pupils across Milford Haven and the surrounding area. Plans include specialist teaching facilities, improved accessibility throughout the site, and enhanced outdoor learning and play areas.

Council officials say the project will also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and modern building standards aimed at reducing long-term environmental impact and running costs.

Outline stage only

Despite the high-profile launch, the project is currently at Strategic Outline Case (SOC) stage — an early stage in the public sector approval process.

SOC approval means the scheme has been accepted in principle, but key elements — including final costs, detailed design and overall value for money — have not yet been fully assessed.

Crucially, no final funding commitment has yet been made.

Before the project can proceed to construction, it must pass through the full business case (FBC) process. This stage requires detailed financial modelling, technical planning and formal sign-off from funding bodies, including the Welsh Government.

Only if that process is successfully completed will funding be formally approved and delivery authorised.

Political and funding context

Major school developments in Wales are typically delivered through joint funding arrangements between local authorities and the Welsh Government, often under long-term investment programmes aimed at modernising the education estate.

While both council leaders and Welsh Government representatives have expressed support for the Milford Haven project, schemes at SOC stage can still be subject to revision, delay or, in some cases, may not proceed if funding or value-for-money criteria are not met.

Large infrastructure announcements are often made at this stage to outline ambition and begin public engagement, ahead of final decisions on funding and delivery.

Long-running campaign

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said he had been working towards securing a new school for several years.

He said: “I have been Cabinet Member for Education since 2019 and I have been fighting for a new school for Milford all that time.

“This project represents a major investment in our children’s future and will provide a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive.”

The Welsh Government has also welcomed the plans, describing them as part of its wider programme to improve school facilities across Wales.

Community involvement

The council has confirmed that the next phase of the project will involve consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents.

This process is expected to help shape the detailed design of the school before a full business case is submitted.

Not yet a confirmed build

While the plans have been presented as a significant step forward for education in Milford Haven, the project remains a proposal rather than a confirmed construction scheme.

At this stage, timelines for delivery have not been finalised, and progression will depend on the outcome of the business case process and the availability of funding.

For now, the new school remains an ambition backed in principle — but not yet a guaranteed build.

Cover image:

Delighted with announcement: First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS

PEMBROKE TOWN COUNCIL has appointed Cllr Jonathan Grimes as Mayor Elect for the coming year.

His wife, Cllr Deborah Grimes, will serve as Mayoress, while Cllr Aden Brinn has been elected as Deputy Mayor Elect.

Speaking following his appointment, Cllr Grimes said the role was a great honour.

“Becoming Mayor of Pembroke honestly means so much to me. This town has given me such a strong sense of community, and to be given the chance to serve it in this way is something I will never take for granted.

“While no community is without its challenges, what gives me confidence is the strength and character of our people. Pembroke is home to hardworking, compassionate, and community-minded individuals who care deeply for one another and for the place we are proud to call home.

“There is also much to look forward to, with the ongoing regeneration project and a busy summer ahead. We have energy, ideas, and a real sense of pride in both our history and our future.

“I am excited to get started, working with you all and doing my part to help Pembroke continue moving in the right direction. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I am immensely proud to call Pembroke my home, and it is an even greater honour to serve as your Mayor for the year ahead.”

PARKING charge increases in Pembrokeshire, which include part of Tenby’s multi-storey and the new Haverfordwest interchange moving to a 24-hour charging model, have been backed by senior councillors.

At the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back a number of amendments to the current Pembrokeshire County Council parking charges.

For parking permits the changes proposed, to take effect from April 1, were: Y Penfro, parking across any long stay car park all year, from £240 a year to £300; The Puffin, which allows non-vehicle specific parking in a specific named car park all year round, from £180 to £240; Coastal, a transferable permit to allow a vehicle to park in specific seasonal car parks, up from £120 season to £160; Parking Permit Passport, a weekly permit transferable across all long stay car parks, from £35 to £40 a week.

These changes are expected to net an extra £25,000 a year.

At the Haverfordwest Interchange, changes, moving from a 9am-7pm charging to 24 hours, include the first hour now being free, with additional charges to the current rates of 10 hrs at £3.50 and 24 hrs at £4.50, along with a new dedicated motorcycle bay charge of £1 per 24 hours.

At Tenby multi-storey, to take effect from May 1, the proposal is to introduce 24 hours charging on floors 1–3. The ground floor would remain as charging between 9am and 7pm, this floor is short stay only, maximum stay two hours.

The main additional summer charges are: 10 hours £6, 24 hours £10, and weekly £50, up from the current £30; winter rates see 10 hours £3, 24 hours £5, and weekly £25, the latter up from £15.

From March 2027, Tenby Harbour Resident Permits see no cost changes, but a maximum of two vehicle registrations allowed, but a Tenby Harbour visitors permit will be introduced at a cost of £60 per vehicle.

These would be via a Variation Order which involves consultation. It is proposed to bring back any comments to Cabinet prior to implementing.

In Haverfordwest, a new four-hour charge, at £3, for Perrots Road is proposed alongside the current one and two-hour stay charges.

The town’s Hole in the Wall Car park is proposed to be revoked.

Two sites at Gelliswick Seafront currently have no enforceable parking restrictions. Due to recurring issues including overnight camping, it is proposed to introduce: Gelliswick Seafront – free parking, and Gelliswick – free parking.

Many of these changes will be require variation orders.

Other general cincreases proposed included: on street resident permit, £46 a year (to £48); on street visitor permit £52.50 (£60); compound £200 a week (£250); charity £50 (£65) free if all funds to charity; events, on a sliding scale dependent on the percentage capacity of the car park used from less than 50 per cent £100 (£150), 50-75 per cent £175 (£225) and over 75 per cent £225 (£275).

Members backed the changes, also agreeing to undertake a full review of parking services operations to include parking charges, charging periods, seasonal charges, license opportunities, in line with full cost recovery, with a report back to Cabinet in June 2027 – any changes to be implemented from September 2027.