Business

Climate Minister visits Pembrokeshire’s pioneering marine energy projects

Published

12 months ago

October 2, 2023

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT Minister for Climate Change Julie James MS has been to see first-hand the work being done in Pembrokeshire to protect our coastline and support Wales’ transition to Net Zero.

Ms James was invited to Pembroke Dock to meet members of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) team, a community interest company set up to support sustainable development and to preserve coastal and marine environments for future generations.

As part of her visit, the minister was taken on a boat tour around the Milford Haven Waterway and visited sites within the Marine Energy Test Area (META), a project managed by PCF.

META offers energy developers the chance to test wave energy, tidal energy, and floating offshore wind devices in pre-consented, real sea conditions and is the first and only facility of its kind in Wales.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum was set up in 1996 as an independent body after the Sea Empress disaster, which saw 72,000 tonnes of oil spilled into Pembrokeshire waters. The tragic event highlighted the need to address issues facing the coastline and coastal communities in Wales.

As a stakeholder support organisation, PCF prides itself on being able to connect communities, businesses, organisations and decision-makers, several of whom were present at Thursday’s event.

Working to reduce the impact of climate change is a priority for PCF, which runs several pioneering initiatives around outdoor health, sustainable recreation, climate adaptation, wildlife protection and education.

Jetske Germing, Managing Director of PCF said, “We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Climate Change to Pembrokeshire this week to meet the team and some of our key partners in person.

Coastal communities in Pembrokeshire are on the frontline of a changing climate and growing pressures on natural resources; solutions require a dynamic, independent coastal platform to bring the relevant people together.

PCF’s work contributes directly to the Welsh Government’s sustainability and climate change goals and legislation, including the Net Zero Wales plan and the UK’s commitment to cut emissions and reach Net Zero by 2050. It’s fantastic to be able to show the minister first-hand the vitally important work that goes on here and around the county every day.”

As well as meeting members of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum team, Thursday’s visit was also an opportunity for the minister to meet some of PCF’s key partners and stakeholders from the community.

Guests included members of the Pembrokeshire Local Nature Partnership, representatives from the Outdoor Charter Group Partnership, the Port of Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Floating offshore wind project developers Blue Gem Wind and Floventis also attended.

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said, “It was a pleasure to represent the Park Authority and welcome the Minister for Climate Change to Pembrokeshire, showcasing the importance of partnership working in responding to recreational pressures in our National Park.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum plays an integral part in delivering the Marine Code and Outdoor Charter work, as part of their wider role in supporting our collective efforts to provide sustainable coastal solutions. As a National Park Authority, we value their significant contribution to protecting our iconic coastline.”

Marine renewable energy is another of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s priorities, through its Marine Energy Wales (MEW) project, dedicated to establishing Wales as a global trailblazer and realising its energy potential.

As a membership organisation it acts as a single point of contact for the industry, connecting the sector with politicians and key stakeholders. It also delivers education and training in local schools and colleges.

The waters around Wales have some of the best wave, tidal and wind energy resources in Europe, along with many valuable protected habitats. It’s estimated that within the next five years, marine energy could deliver more than £600 million to Wales and create thousands of jobs, particularly within the Floating Offshore Wind industry.

Business

Local site managers triumph in prestigious House-Building Awards

Published

7 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE and Cardigan site managers have been celebrated for their exceptional dedication to quality house-building, earning top accolades in the industry’s most esteemed competition.

Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf and Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, representing Cardigan and Pembroke respectively, were among the prominent winners at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Awards 2024. The prestigious event, held at Celtic Manor Golf Club in Newport on Friday, 13 September 2024, recognises the very best in the industry.

In the Small Builder category, Gareth Davies clinched the top honour for his outstanding work at Maes Y Dderwen in Cardigan. His exceptional commitment to raising standards was further acknowledged with the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence. Meanwhile, Mike Thomas was awarded the Seal of Excellence for his work in Pembroke, demonstrating the high standards upheld by builders in the region.

Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales was also a major winner on the night, securing the Large Builder category award for his work at Parc Y Coleg in Newport. Like Davies, Coyle was awarded the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence, marking his dedication to quality construction.

The Pride in the Job Awards, now in its 44th year, are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, setting the benchmark for exceptional site management. The competition is known for its rigorous judging process, which assesses entrants across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.

This year, eight site managers from across Wales received the Seal of Excellence, having first earned a Quality Award in the initial round of the competition in June. The full list of Seal of Excellence recipients includes:

Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf, Cardigan
Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
Dave Jones of Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales, Swansea
Paul Oakley of Bellway Homes Wales, Cardiff
Nick Powell of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
Nick Rumble of Persimmon Homes West Wales, Pontyclun
Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, Pembroke
Daniel Williams of Taylor Wimpey South Wales, Penarth

Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC, extended his congratulations to the winners: “For more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s purpose of raising standards in house building. The competition recognises the UK’s top site managers, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. Winning site managers demonstrate dedication, passion, and leadership to ensure new homes are delivered to exacting construction quality standards.”

The regional events, taking place throughout the UK, aim to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the recipients of the Quality Awards. Mr Davies and Mr Coyle will now progress to the next stage of the competition, vying for the ultimate prize in house building at the Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, set to be revealed at a gala ceremony in London in January 2025.

Business

Specsavers expansion ‘shows confidence in future of Haverfordwest’

Published

7 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS’ decision to expand into larger premises in Haverfordwest is further proof of the confidence of businesses in the future of the County Town.

That was the message from Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller to news that the leading optometry company will move to larger premises at the Riverside Shopping Centre.

Specsavers has signed a lease with the Council to expand into the building previously occupied by Boots and Poundland.

The additional space will allow for 14 examination rooms fitted with state-of-the-art technology that will enable Specsavers to provide more enhanced sight, contact lens and audiology services for its customers.

Cllr Miller, who is also the Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to support Specsavers in expanding and investing significantly in Haverfordwest.

“This shows confidence in both the present and future of Haverfordwest which is undergoing major regeneration by Pembrokeshire County Council.

“Through taking control of the Riverside Shopping Centre we have been able to secure investment and tenancies in the town while also recovering the Council’s investment to purchase the site.

“Alongside the great news that leading food and drink company Loungers is moving into our Western Quayside development, I am confident further businesses will be drawn to the town centre.

“The work we’re doing will ensure Haverfordwest is an attractive place for businesses to operate and a great place for people to live, work and visit.”

Andy Britton, one of the partners of the locally owned store, said: “We are so pleased to be making the move into larger premises. The additional space will allow us to better accommodate the increasing demand for eye tests and audiology clinics in the area and help take some of the pressure off the NHS.

“The new store will open later this year and we look forward to celebrating its launch with customers old and new.”

Pictured top of article: Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council (centre) with Andy Britton (left) and fellow partner Wayne Jones at the Riverside store which will be home to an expanded Specsavers.

Business

Former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site up for sale for £1.2m

Published

9 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A FORMER hotel site in Pembrokeshire is now on the market, having received planning permission for a new care home. The site, previously home to the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, is listed for sale at £1,200,000.

The Essex Road location, which spans 2.45 acres, has been granted outline planning permission for the construction of a care facility accommodating between 55 and 70 beds, as well as six retirement bungalows. This significant development is set within Pembroke Dock, lying just 120 metres from the A477, and is encompassed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The area boasts convenient access to amenities such as a shopping centre, restaurants, cafés, hotels, a pharmacy, sports clubs, and recreation grounds.

***The fire was in March 2019 (Pic Herald)***

Planning consent for this project was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council in February 2023. The approval was given for the “Demolition of Hotel and Siting of Residential Care Home and Linked Bungalows,” marking a new chapter for the site that has remained derelict since a fire in 2019.

The Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been out of operation since March 2019, when a blaze caused extensive structural damage, leading to the collapse of several sections of the building. This incident thwarted earlier plans to convert the hotel into a 48-bedroom care home, a project that had been green-lit following a change of use application in 2018.

Due to the damage incurred, a new application was submitted for the demolition of the existing structure and the erection of a new care home. The planning proposal also included provisions for the six retirement bungalows, intended to be occupied by elderly residents who could assist with activities at the care home.

The fire that devastated the former hotel required a substantial emergency response, however, an investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police concluded there was insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.

This site is now poised for a new beginning as a care facility, providing much-needed services to the local community. Interested parties can find more information about this listing, handled by Christie and Co, on Rightmove.