Haverfordwest footbridge and Western Quayside Phase 2
Project description:
The scheme is an access/ facilities improvement scheme involving the construction of a new footbridge and external landscape works to the west of the Western Cleddau at Western Quayside (including on the site of the existing Hole in the Wall Car Park located adjacent to Bridge Street, Haverfordwest), and to the east of the Western Cleddau adjacent to the Clock Tower and Riverside Shopping Centre.
The scheme involves the following works:
- The removal of an existing footbridge that spans across the Western Cleddau;
- The installation of a new footbridge, to form a sculptural curved connection between Riverside and Western Quayside, that opens up a new visual connection to Haverfordwest Castle to the west;
- Public realm reconfiguration and enhancement at Western Quayside and Riverside, providing multi-functional spaces and connections that prioritise pedestrians, connecting routes to the new footbridge;
- The repair, renewal and refurbishment of the former Cleddau Foundry building within Western Quayside.
Key facts to date:
- Over 120 tonnes of structural steel
- Over 12 tonnes of welding wire utilised
- Over 3,000 hours spent completing the 3D modelling
- Over 18,000 fabrication hours spent since October 2024
- Circa 3,500 individual pieces of steel in the Main Footbridge
- Circa 1,200 individual pieces of steel for the Internal Guardrail
Project funding:
- UK Government LUF
- Welsh Government
- Pembrokeshire County Council
Project status:
Completed
Further information:
Following the successful lift and installation of the bridge, the new Haverfordwest signature bridge opened following a ceremony held on Riverside on the 10 October 2025. The arrival of the bridge is the latest good news for the project following the recent announcement that local business Tenby Brewing Company will move into the old Marychurch Foundry as part of the Western Quayside development, alongside the Waldo Lounge.
Attendees included First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan, PCC Cabinet Members, Prendergast Community School Super Singers Choir who performed at the opening and Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, who officially opened the footbridge in what is a significant addition to town’s landscape.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “It’s great to see the town’s new bridge open. Connecting the new Western Quayside development, which we expect to be fully open and occupied over the next couple of months, to the new car park and bus interchange (opening in Summer 26) is an important part of the wider Haverfordwest Masterplan.”
Video of the Haverfordwest Signature Bridge opening event (opens in a new tab)
In addition, the Haverfordwest Footbridge project has been shortlisted for two Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation CIHT awards which take place later in 2025.
Public Realm Works:
The completed public realm works features raised planters designed to improve aesthetics, boost biodiversity, and reduce flood risk. Espaliered trees in the north-west planters provided screening, shade, and structure, while a grid of trees defines the square and preserves views of the historic Cleddau Foundry. Planters incorporate a mix of native and pollinator-friendly plants. Built from concrete blockwork faced with reclaimed stone from the former multi-storey car park, the design complements surrounding heritage features, supporting sustainability, and reduces waste. In total, 17 new trees were planted.
Community Benefits & Social Value:
- Employment of graduate trainees, apprentices, work experience placements via Cyfle, Jobs Growth Wales Plus programme, ESG and Future Works.
- School engagement via activities, presentations and talks.
- Community engagement via attending events, provision of wayfinding signs etc.
- Employment of subcontractors and suppliers on the scheme which are all local SMEs based in South Wales.
- Donation of the timber sleepers and GRP decking boards removed from the library access ramp to Havershed the Haverfordwest Men’s Sheds club for them to utilise the materials for future community offerings.
- Offer assistance to Pembrokeshire Associations of Voluntary Services (PAVS) to see if there are any local community projects the contractor could assist with during the project period.
- Installation some wayfinding signs to the Riverside as part of the social value works.
- Improvement works to Haverfordwest AFC carpark at Bridge Meadows stadium utilising the surplus materials from site.
- Relocation of some existing concrete planters for Riverside Shopping centre onto Old Bridge Lane for the Council to install new planting.
For more information:
Webpage of Walters Group for Haverfordwest Footbridge and Western Quayside Project (opens in a new tab)
Walters at the Valued Partner Awards (opens in a new tab)