News

£1m ‘world class attraction’ hopes for St Davids visitor centre

Published

10 months ago

July 25, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE’S national park is expected to support a near-£1m long-term hope to turn St Davids’ Oriel y Parc visitor centre into “world-class” attraction for the park.

At the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park authority meeting of July 26, members will receive an update Oriel y Parc masterplan, with a recommendation to adopt the near-£1m scheme as the “long-term aspiration for Oriel y Parc,” subject to the development of a business plan and the securing of necessary funding.

In early 2022 the park instructed consultants from The Creative Core to undertake a review of the National Park Visitor Centre in St Davids to ensure “the centre aligns with the evolving vision and objectives of PCNPA, particularly in light of changes to tourism post-Covid”.

A report for members adds: “Little has changed at Oriel y Parc since a major extension was added to the original building in 2008.”

Several scenarios have been presented in the masterplan report to members, with three options included: a six-month £50,000 ‘light touch’ project to “streamline and update messaging and provide an exhibitions infrastructure for staff to update moving forward,” a £350,000 12-18 month project building on the first stage to “offer an engaging visitor experience, whilst making minimal amendments to the building,” and a circa £1m two year project to “create a flagship Discovery Centre”.

The report for members states the last proposal would offer: “An in-depth programme of community engagement and consultation will inform new permanent interpretation and temporary community exhibitions. A true blended offer will create a Civic Hub, developed with and for the people of St Davids and Pembrokeshire.”

It adds: “This option maximises the site as well as the building, encompassing the Tower as an immersive storytelling experience. The courtyard will be transformed with the introduction of events infrastructure, new seating and architectural lighting.

“The main entrance will be opened up and enhanced to increase prominence and visibility from the courtyard. Internal dividing walls will be adapted to offer flexibility for events and programming, offering hireable spaces that reflect the park. Mini hubs or spoke site interpretation will be empower people with practical information and signposting back to Oriel y Parc.”

The report goes on to say: “…without a refreshed approach and further investment the site will plateau and not modernise in order to meet changing demands (in terms of the issues facing the National Park and the needs of its customers).

“In short, doing nothing potentially carries more risks than adopting the recommendations highlighted under Option 3 in the Masterplan document.”

Members are recommended to approve the adoption of ‘Option 3’.

READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:

Crime

Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Court Reporter

AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.

On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.

The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.

The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.

News

Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.

The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.

The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.

“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

4 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: 24000446140

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.