Western Quayside, Haverfordwest
Project description
The Western Quayside project in Haverfordwest is a key regeneration initiative aimed at revitalising the town centre by transforming a prominent riverside location into a vibrant, multi-purpose destination. The project involves the redevelopment of a derelict department store into a mixed-use building, featuring a restaurant and flexible commercial units.
The objectives of the project are to:
- Enhance the visual appeal and vibrancy of the riverside area.
- Increase footfall and support local businesses.
- Improve the public realm with high-quality landscaping and public spaces.
- Contribute to the wider regeneration of Haverfordwest by attracting visitors and creating a more attractive destination.
- Promote sustainability through the use of reclaimed materials and enhanced biodiversity with green infrastructure elements.
Project funding:
- WG Transforming Towns
- Pembrokeshire County Council Capital funding
Project status:
Western Quayside development is complete, with the Old Marychurch Foundry due for completion February 2026.
Further information:
Archaeological find
In 2022 Dyfed Archaeological Trust completed excavations at the site and during the construction works, significant archaeological findings were unearthed which required an extensive archaeological excavation of the site, this is was undertaken by Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT) uncovered many interesting and important discoveries, including historic artefacts and human burials dating back to the 14th Century AD. This work was great opportunity for the dig team and the public to find out more about an area in the town that has significant historical value.
A former 19th to 20th century iron foundry once occupied the site but below evidence of a cemetery came to light, a cemetery believed to be associated with the medieval friary of St. Saviour’s, whose exact location has never been ascertained. Fran Murphy from Dyfed Archaeological Trust said: ‘This is the first major archaeological excavation to have taken place in the medieval town of Haverfordwest and will tell us so much about the continuous development of this thriving town through the ages, and its vital connection with the Western Cleddau River.
‘It will give us insights into how people lived and died, their occupations, what they ate and drank even, and prove a valuable source of information for years to come.’
video: Archaeological dig at Haverfordwest's Western Quayside (opens in a new tab)
Haverfordwest High VC School time capsule
Haverfordwest High VC School pupils have left a gift for future generations at the site, the Year 7 students filled a time capsule with items to show what their life is like in 2023. The time capsule project, spearheaded by development contractors John Weaver (Contractors) Ltd, allowed learners to focus on their town as well as the exciting archeologically finds unearthed during the build. Victoria Hooper, Humanities Teacher at Haverfordwest High VC School said: “Pupils at Haverfordwest High VC School felt privileged to be making history as part of the time capsule project.They enjoyed discussing ideas, writing about life and events in 2023 and filling the time capsule with photographs, coins, a stamp, a school tie and even an old mobile phone.”
Due to the historic importance of the development site and archaeological discoveries it was agreed that the burial of a time capsule was a fitting way to link with the future of the area.
For more information: Haverfordwest High VC School time capsule (opens in a new tab)
Waldo Lounge
Loungers became the first tenant at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Western Quayside development in Haverfordwest with the hospitality company occupying the ground floor of the building, part of the council’s long-term regeneration plan for the county town.
Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller said: “I’m really pleased to be in a position to announce the first tenancy for Western Quayside. Loungers shares our ambition and potential for the Western Quayside development in the centre of Haverfordwest. Western Quayside will play a key role in improving footfall and vibrancy in Haverfordwest and Loungers fits perfectly into that vision.
“An important part of Loungers’ ethos is the community element of its neighbourhood café bars and commitment to work with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses and we look forward to that continuing in Haverfordwest.
“As a council we have been clear that we will not just sit back and let our town centres decline and this is an important step forward.
Old Marychurch Foundry
The popular Tenby Brewing Company has agreed headline terms to lease the old Marychurch Foundry at Western Quayside, recognising the exciting opportunities provided by the development.
Tenby Brewing Company has been brewing full flavoured independent beers since 2015, using the best quality ingredients and pure Pembrokeshire water with the offer established in Tenby and Narberth now extended further across the County.
The new venue intends to serve Tenby Brewing Company’s beers and ciders, already available in many pubs, shops and restaurants across the UK. Collaboration with a variety of guest suppliers will see street food on offer as well.
Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said: “Western Quayside is an important part of our long-term regeneration plan for the County Town, and this is another important step forward. It’s great to have the guys at Tenby Brewing Company on board.”
Company Director James Beaven added: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new bar in Haverfordwest. Set along the scenic riverside in the vibrant new development area opposite the new bridge. The Foundry is a part of the town’s industrial heritage and we feel privileged to breathe new life into the old stone building. The bar will serve a rotating selection of fresh craft beers brewed by Tenby Brewing Co., alongside a next level menu of street food.”
For more information: Popular South Pembrokeshire brewery to join Haverfordwest regeneration
For more information:
JWC awarded Western Quayside Project with Pembrokeshire County Council (opens in a new tab)