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Pembrokeshire Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Haverfordwest town centre regeneration given multi-million pound funding boost
EXTRA funding has been secured for two regeneration projects in Haverfordwest, and increases in costs will see no additional burden to the council, senior Pembrokeshire councillors heard. At the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet, members received an update on both the budget position and latest funding received for the Heart of Pembrokeshire (HoP) and Western Quayside schemes. The approved capital budget for delivery of the HoP scheme is £26,277,487, while the Western Quayside scheme approved budget is £11,624,000, a report for members, presented by Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said. 'Additional external funding has been obtained to undertake green infrastructure works at Western Quayside and to allow the physical linkages between the key town centre locations of Haverfordwest Castle and the town centre, via Castle Square, to be enhanced in order to widen the town centre offer under a discrete Shared Prosperity Fund 2 (2025-26) work package to a value of £1,261,512,' the report said. An additional £2,700,000 funding for Western Quayside has also been secured through the Transforming Towns Fund, to support the Western Quayside Fit Out and phase 2 elements, including Foundry and Public Realm space. It also said fundraising consultants were preparing a separate Transforming Towns application for funding for further enhancement to the castle link and town centre wayfinding elements of the HoP scheme and funding to the post-HoP fitout scheme. This would not increase PCC's capital contribution to either scheme. It said costs had risen, but would be covered by the extra funding: 'Since the capital bid was approved by Cabinet, a number of variations have been experienced during project delivery. 'Currently, provision is required for £2,224,667 of anticipated costs and risk allowances. This is made up largely of costs associated with the gaol building due to its worse than anticipated condition, and restrictions imposed by archaeology, together with addressing the challenges realised at Castle Back and the associated work to address the safety issues in this area (risk of landslip). 'With regards to Western Quayside, there have been a number of changes to the extent of the works within the public realm and the works associated with the Foundry Warehouse. These changes will bring the foundry building into productive commercial use and fully link the Western Quayside building, foundry building, bridge and Library into a fully integrated public realm. 'Achieving these outputs, compliant with planning consent, has necessitated an increase to the budget of £1,736,845. These costs are fully covered by the recently received uplift to the Welsh Government Transforming Towns grant.' Members agreed to increase and reallocate the budget associated with the two schemes, to accommodate the additional external grant funding, and also, subject to securing additional external funding, delegate authority to the Director of Resources to increase the HoP and post-HoP fitout project budgets on condition that PCC's contribution does not increase.
Western Telegraph
02-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Extra funding secured for Haverfordwest regeneration
At the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet, members received an update on both the budget position and latest funding received for the Heart of Pembrokeshire (HoP) and Western Quayside schemes. The approved capital budget for delivery of the HoP scheme is £26,277,487, while the Western Quayside scheme approved budget is £11,624,000, a report for members, presented by Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said. 'Additional external funding has been obtained to undertake green infrastructure works at Western Quayside and to allow the physical linkages between the key town centre locations of Haverfordwest Castle and the town centre, via Castle Square, to be enhanced in order to widen the town centre offer under a discrete Shared Prosperity Fund 2 (2025-26) work package to a value of £1,261,512,' the report said. An additional £2,700,000 funding for Western Quayside has also been secured through the Transforming Towns Fund, to support the Western Quayside Fit Out and phase 2 elements, including Foundry and Public Realm space. It also said fundraising consultants were preparing a separate Transforming Towns application for funding for further enhancement to the castle link and town centre wayfinding elements of the HoP scheme and funding to the post-HoP fitout scheme. This would not increase PCC's capital contribution to either scheme. It said costs had risen, but would be covered by the extra funding: 'Since the capital bid was approved by Cabinet, a number of variations have been experienced during project delivery. 'Currently, provision is required for £2,224,667 of anticipated costs and risk allowances. This is made up largely of costs associated with the gaol building due to its worse than anticipated condition, and restrictions imposed by archaeology, together with addressing the challenges realised at Castle Back and the associated work to address the safety issues in this area (risk of landslip). 'With regards to Western Quayside, there have been a number of changes to the extent of the works within the public realm and the works associated with the Foundry Warehouse. These changes will bring the foundry building into productive commercial use and fully link the Western Quayside building, foundry building, bridge and Library into a fully integrated public realm. 'Achieving these outputs, compliant with planning consent, has necessitated an increase to the budget of £1,736,845. These costs are fully covered by the recently received uplift to the Welsh Government Transforming Towns grant.' Members agreed to increase and reallocate the budget associated with the two schemes, to accommodate the additional external grant funding, and also, subject to securing additional external funding, delegate authority to the Director of Resources to increase the HoP and post-HoP fitout project budgets on condition that PCC's contribution does not increase.
Pembrokeshire Herald
24-04-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Major housing, play and regeneration projects on the agenda for council cabinet
Council secures grants to cover project overruns without increasing taxpayer burden TWO major regeneration projects in Haverfordwest are set to progress without additional cost to the taxpayer, following Pembrokeshire County Council's successful acquisition of external funding. A report scheduled for Cabinet review on Monday (April 28) outlines that the Heart of Pembrokeshire (HoP) and Western Quayside schemes will benefit from new grants, allowing the projects to continue despite unforeseen challenges and increased costs. The HoP project, with an approved capital budget of £26.27 million, and the Western Quayside scheme, budgeted at £11.62 million, faced combined overruns nearing £4 million. These overruns were primarily due to the deteriorated condition of the historic Gaol building and archaeological constraints. However, additional support from the Welsh Government and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will cover these costs without increasing the Council's financial contribution. Significant new grants secured The Council has secured an extra £2.7 million from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Fund and £1.26 million via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These funds will facilitate green infrastructure works at Western Quayside and enhance pedestrian links between Haverfordwest Castle and the town centre. To meet grant requirements and streamline project accounting, some elements initially delivered under the HoP scheme—such as public realm work around the Foundry—will be reallocated to the Western Quayside project. Further applications are being prepared to secure additional funding from the Transforming Towns programme. If successful, these would support a post-HoP 'fit-out' of the castle site, improve town centre wayfinding, and enhance visitor experiences, all without extra cost to the Council. Castle and Gaol restoration separated While the HoP scheme is well underway, the Council plans to separate the later-stage restoration of the Gaol and Governor's House into a distinct project. This £2 million fit-out scheme has already received £368,525 in National Lottery Heritage funding, with further bids in progress. The Council aims to reduce its match funding requirement significantly. Separating the HoP and the Castle Fit-out projects within the capital programme is expected to provide clearer financial transparency. Criticism over project management Despite the financial boost, the Council faces criticism for initiating restoration work on the Gaol without secured funding for its completion. Critics argue that this approach was premature and risky, especially given the building's deteriorated condition and archaeological complexities. This has raised questions about project management and financial planning. The broader context includes significant funding cuts to Pembrokeshire County Council, with a reported reduction of over 40% in Shared Prosperity Scheme funding. Such cuts have intensified scrutiny over the Council's allocation of resources, particularly in light of other pressing needs across the county. Council Leader Jon Harvey, who succeeded David Simpson in May 2024, has pledged to bring 'compassion and transparency' to the role and to work collaboratively with other political groups. However, the decision to proceed with the Gaol's restoration without secured funding for its completion remains a contentious issue, highlighting the need for transparent and comprehensive financial planning in public projects. Two options on the table Cabinet members will consider two options. The preferred route is to accept the new external funding and reallocate budgets accordingly, delivering the full vision of both regeneration schemes while keeping the Council's capital contribution unchanged.Pembrokeshire Herald Alternatively, councillors could reduce their capital spending by using the new grants to offset current commitments. However, this would render the HoP project unviable, potentially forcing the permanent closure of Castle Back and risking clawback of up to £17.7 million from UK Government and National Lottery funders. A separate recommendation would grant senior officers the authority to adjust the budget if further external funding becomes available, provided the Council's own contribution does not increase. No legal or HR issues raised The report confirms there are no legal or human resources concerns linked to the proposed changes. While the Director of Resources supports the plan, they caution that efforts must continue to reduce the Council's overall borrowing levels.
Pembrokeshire Herald
24-04-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Former chief constable appointed head of UK animal health agency
Council secures grants to cover project overruns without increasing taxpayer burden TWO major regeneration projects in Haverfordwest are set to progress without additional cost to the taxpayer, following Pembrokeshire County Council's successful acquisition of external funding. A report scheduled for Cabinet review on Monday (April 28) outlines that the Heart of Pembrokeshire (HoP) and Western Quayside schemes will benefit from new grants, allowing the projects to continue despite unforeseen challenges and increased costs. The HoP project, with an approved capital budget of £26.27 million, and the Western Quayside scheme, budgeted at £11.62 million, faced combined overruns nearing £4 million. These overruns were primarily due to the deteriorated condition of the historic Gaol building and archaeological constraints. However, additional support from the Welsh Government and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will cover these costs without increasing the Council's financial contribution. Significant new grants secured The Council has secured an extra £2.7 million from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Fund and £1.26 million via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These funds will facilitate green infrastructure works at Western Quayside and enhance pedestrian links between Haverfordwest Castle and the town centre. To meet grant requirements and streamline project accounting, some elements initially delivered under the HoP scheme—such as public realm work around the Foundry—will be reallocated to the Western Quayside project. Further applications are being prepared to secure additional funding from the Transforming Towns programme. If successful, these would support a post-HoP 'fit-out' of the castle site, improve town centre wayfinding, and enhance visitor experiences, all without extra cost to the Council. Castle and Gaol restoration separated While the HoP scheme is well underway, the Council plans to separate the later-stage restoration of the Gaol and Governor's House into a distinct project. This £2 million fit-out scheme has already received £368,525 in National Lottery Heritage funding, with further bids in progress. The Council aims to reduce its match funding requirement significantly. Separating the HoP and the Castle Fit-out projects within the capital programme is expected to provide clearer financial transparency. Criticism over project management Despite the financial boost, the Council faces criticism for initiating restoration work on the Gaol without secured funding for its completion. Critics argue that this approach was premature and risky, especially given the building's deteriorated condition and archaeological complexities. This has raised questions about project management and financial planning. The broader context includes significant funding cuts to Pembrokeshire County Council, with a reported reduction of over 40% in Shared Prosperity Scheme funding. Such cuts have intensified scrutiny over the Council's allocation of resources, particularly in light of other pressing needs across the county. Council Leader Jon Harvey, who succeeded David Simpson in May 2024, has pledged to bring 'compassion and transparency' to the role and to work collaboratively with other political groups. However, the decision to proceed with the Gaol's restoration without secured funding for its completion remains a contentious issue, highlighting the need for transparent and comprehensive financial planning in public projects. Two options on the table Cabinet members will consider two options. The preferred route is to accept the new external funding and reallocate budgets accordingly, delivering the full vision of both regeneration schemes while keeping the Council's capital contribution unchanged.Pembrokeshire Herald Alternatively, councillors could reduce their capital spending by using the new grants to offset current commitments. However, this would render the HoP project unviable, potentially forcing the permanent closure of Castle Back and risking clawback of up to £17.7 million from UK Government and National Lottery funders. A separate recommendation would grant senior officers the authority to adjust the budget if further external funding becomes available, provided the Council's own contribution does not increase. No legal or HR issues raised The report confirms there are no legal or human resources concerns linked to the proposed changes. While the Director of Resources supports the plan, they caution that efforts must continue to reduce the Council's overall borrowing levels.
Pembrokeshire Herald
24-04-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Haverfordwest regeneration boosted by millions in extra funding
Council secures grants to cover project overruns without increasing taxpayer burden TWO major regeneration projects in Haverfordwest are set to progress without additional cost to the taxpayer, following Pembrokeshire County Council's successful acquisition of external funding. A report scheduled for Cabinet review on Monday (April 28) outlines that the Heart of Pembrokeshire (HoP) and Western Quayside schemes will benefit from new grants, allowing the projects to continue despite unforeseen challenges and increased costs. The HoP project, with an approved capital budget of £26.27 million, and the Western Quayside scheme, budgeted at £11.62 million, faced combined overruns nearing £4 million. These overruns were primarily due to the deteriorated condition of the historic Gaol building and archaeological constraints. However, additional support from the Welsh Government and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will cover these costs without increasing the Council's financial contribution. Significant new grants secured The Council has secured an extra £2.7 million from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Fund and £1.26 million via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These funds will facilitate green infrastructure works at Western Quayside and enhance pedestrian links between Haverfordwest Castle and the town centre. To meet grant requirements and streamline project accounting, some elements initially delivered under the HoP scheme—such as public realm work around the Foundry—will be reallocated to the Western Quayside project. Further applications are being prepared to secure additional funding from the Transforming Towns programme. If successful, these would support a post-HoP 'fit-out' of the castle site, improve town centre wayfinding, and enhance visitor experiences, all without extra cost to the Council. Castle and Gaol restoration separated While the HoP scheme is well underway, the Council plans to separate the later-stage restoration of the Gaol and Governor's House into a distinct project. This £2 million fit-out scheme has already received £368,525 in National Lottery Heritage funding, with further bids in progress. The Council aims to reduce its match funding requirement significantly. Separating the HoP and the Castle Fit-out projects within the capital programme is expected to provide clearer financial transparency. Criticism over project management Despite the financial boost, the Council faces criticism for initiating restoration work on the Gaol without secured funding for its completion. Critics argue that this approach was premature and risky, especially given the building's deteriorated condition and archaeological complexities. This has raised questions about project management and financial planning. The broader context includes significant funding cuts to Pembrokeshire County Council, with a reported reduction of over 40% in Shared Prosperity Scheme funding. Such cuts have intensified scrutiny over the Council's allocation of resources, particularly in light of other pressing needs across the county. Council Leader Jon Harvey, who succeeded David Simpson in May 2024, has pledged to bring 'compassion and transparency' to the role and to work collaboratively with other political groups. However, the decision to proceed with the Gaol's restoration without secured funding for its completion remains a contentious issue, highlighting the need for transparent and comprehensive financial planning in public projects. Two options on the table Cabinet members will consider two options. The preferred route is to accept the new external funding and reallocate budgets accordingly, delivering the full vision of both regeneration schemes while keeping the Council's capital contribution unchanged.Pembrokeshire Herald Alternatively, councillors could reduce their capital spending by using the new grants to offset current commitments. However, this would render the HoP project unviable, potentially forcing the permanent closure of Castle Back and risking clawback of up to £17.7 million from UK Government and National Lottery funders. A separate recommendation would grant senior officers the authority to adjust the budget if further external funding becomes available, provided the Council's own contribution does not increase. No legal or HR issues raised The report confirms there are no legal or human resources concerns linked to the proposed changes. While the Director of Resources supports the plan, they caution that efforts must continue to reduce the Council's overall borrowing levels.
