Council outlines major plans for town with backing from Welsh Government

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a major transformation with nearly £200 million of public investment planned, including a new school, leisure centre and upgraded railway station, The Herald can reveal.

In an interview with this newspaper, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller, said the town’s long-awaited regeneration was now firmly underway, with some projects already moving into delivery after years of planning.

The announcement represents one of the largest single waves of public investment ever proposed for Milford Haven.

New £140m school by 2030

The centrepiece of the investment is a £140 million co-located primary and secondary school, which is expected to open by 2030.

The Labour Group leader said the project had now passed a key Welsh Government approval stage, allowing it to move into the delivery phase.

He said: “This is not a ‘might happen’ — this is happening. We can now say with confidence that we’re going to open a new primary and secondary school in Milford Haven in 2030.”

The development will bring together English-medium primary and secondary education on a single site. While initially operating as two separate schools, the model could evolve into an all-through school for pupils aged three to sixteen.

The funding will largely come through Welsh Government’s school investment programme, with Pembrokeshire County Council contributing around 30 percent of the total cost.

The project is expected to modernise education provision in the town and replace ageing facilities.

Leisure centre plan takes shape

Alongside the school, the council has approved plans for a new leisure centre to replace the ageing Meads facility.

While still at an earlier stage, the project is expected to cost more than £50 million and will include a new swimming pool, upgraded gym facilities, and modern leisure provision for families.

Cllr Miller said: “The Meads has served its purpose, but it’s looking tired and reaching the end of its useful life. This will be a fantastic new facility for the town.”

The council is expected to fund the project directly, with leisure centres generating income through public use.

However, no firm construction start date or completion timeline has yet been confirmed, with feasibility work still ongoing.

Station upgrade to begin next month

A £16 million upgrade of Milford Haven railway station is set to begin next month, with completion expected by 2027.

The scheme will see significant improvements, including better links to Havens Head Retail Park, expanded parking, improved bus interchange, and platform extensions to accommodate longer intercity trains.

The work is also expected to enhance accessibility and modernise the station environment.

Cllr Miller said: “Starting on site next month is fantastic news for Milford Haven.”

Push to restore London rail link

Cllr Miller confirmed that efforts are ongoing to restore direct rail services between Milford Haven and London Paddington.

He said discussions are taking place with Welsh Government, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, as well as Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell.

Direct services last operated in the late 1990s, when InterCity 125 trains connected west Wales to London.

Cllr Miller said he was “hopeful and optimistic” that a deal could be reached, but stopped short of confirming a timeline.

Major retailer in talks for Wilko site

The council is also in advanced discussions with a major national retailer to take over the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest, one of the town’s most prominent vacant retail units.

Cllr Miller said a deal could be agreed within “weeks — maybe even days”.

He confirmed the council is investing in essential structural repairs, including roofing works, to prepare the building for occupation.

A new tenant would then carry out a multi-million pound fit-out before opening.

While the retailer has not been named, speculation locally has centred on Primark — something not confirmed, but also not denied during the interview.

The move is expected to provide a significant boost to footfall in Haverfordwest town centre, which has faced challenges in recent years following a number of retail closures.

‘Milford Haven’s turn’

Cllr Miller rejected suggestions the announcements were timed to coincide with upcoming elections.

He said: “These are not things we dreamed up yesterday as part of an election campaign. These are things we’ve been working on for years.”

He added: “It is Milford Haven’s turn. It is not forgotten — we are determined to invest in its future.”

The comments reflect a long-standing perception among some residents that Milford Haven has been overlooked compared to other parts of Pembrokeshire.

Questions remain

While firm commitments have been made on the school and railway station, other elements — including the leisure centre’s final cost and the return of direct London rail services — remain subject to further agreement.

With construction on the station due to begin within weeks and a major retail deal potentially days away, Milford Haven could be on the brink of significant change.

However, residents are likely to watch closely to see how quickly these ambitious plans move from announcement to delivery.

RESIDENTS across Pembrokeshire can now back the campaign to protect services at Withybush Hospital by signing a paper petition available in council offices across the county.

The initiative has been introduced to ensure those who are digitally excluded – including older residents and people without reliable internet access – are still able to have their say.

The petition, originally launched online by local resident Ajay Owens, has already attracted more than 11,000 signatures. Campaigners say the introduction of paper copies will help ensure the final total reflects the views of the whole community.

SUPPORT GATHERS PACE

Local Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who are supporting the campaign, said it was vital that every voice is heard.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MS, PAUL DAVIES said: “We have taken significant steps to highlight the importance of protecting services at Withybush Hospital, including gathering evidence from staff, patients and residents, and raising concerns with health leaders. It is vital that people continue to share their experiences of why local services matter.”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS added: “The community has come together before to oppose cuts to Withybush, and once again the community are showing they will not accept the closure of services at Withybush lying down. We will stand beside them every step of the way until this decision is overturned.”

Both Members have formally requested that the petition be debated in the Senedd before its dissolution, in a bid to ensure Pembrokeshire residents’ concerns are considered at the highest level.

RURAL CARE CONCERNS

Campaigners argue that maintaining services at Withybush Hospital is critical for patient safety, timely emergency care, and supporting rural communities, where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significantly longer.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so at their local town or community council office during normal opening hours.

Ajay Owens said: “I am incredibly heartened by the support from our local town halls and businesses. This petition is about giving every resident in Pembrokeshire a voice, and having these physical locations available ensures that everyone, regardless of their access to the internet, can stand up for what matters to our community and share their concerns.”

WHERE TO SIGN

Paper copies of the petition are currently available at locations including Fishguard and Goodwick Town Hall, Haverfordwest Town Council at the Old Wool Market, Milford Haven Cemetery Lodge, Narberth Community Library, Newport Town Council, Pembroke Town Hall, Pembroke Dock Town Council, and across Saundersfoot via local distribution.

Opening times vary depending on location.

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.