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.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

9 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

11 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle