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A BRAINSTORMING session has been held at HaverHub to discuss the next stages of the Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment – a key part of Pembrokeshire County Council's regeneration plans for the county town.
Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor was among those in attendance, along with representatives from Haverfordwest Town Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and community members including Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Gitti Coats.
The Heart of Pembrokeshire team at the county council hosted the meeting to provide an update on the scheme, which aims to turn the historic castle, Gaol building and Governor's House into a flagship visitor attraction.
The council says the upgraded site will tell the story of Pembrokeshire past, present and future – with interactive, tech-based exhibits housed in the refurbished Gaol building. The redeveloped Governor's House will become home to a new town museum, while the inner bailey will serve as a space for theatre, live music, fayres and other events.
Access to the site will be improved from Castle Square, with new way-marking throughout the town. Plans also include a new 'signature bridge' over the Western Cleddau, linking the site to Riverside.
The Herald understands that 88 per cent of Haverfordwest residents surveyed in a recent consultation supported the redevelopment of the castle as a visitor attraction and community space. Many locals believe the project will help make Haverfordwest a better place to live, work and visit.
Funding for the scheme is being provided by the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, with match funding from Pembrokeshire County Council. Further funding is being sought to complete the fit-out and support associated community activities.
Haverfordwest Castle is currently closed while the work takes place. The museum has been temporarily relocated to a site on the Riverside, and the car park at the castle is shut for the duration of the development.
The flagship attraction is expected to open to the public in Spring 2027.
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