Work starts at Western Quayside Western Quayside

Pembrokeshire County Council is pleased to announce the start of the redevelopment of the former Ocky White building in Haverfordwest, as part of its long-term regeneration programme for the county.

Purchased by the County Council in 2018, the former department store and its surroundings are to be transformed into ‘Western Quayside’ – a modern and stylish development including a three-storey local food and beverage emporium with bar and roof-top terrace.

The £6.287m scheme will also see major public realm improvements including a new waterfront square with space for events.

Contractors will be on the Covid-compliant site over the next few weeks to install perimeter fencing, put up signs informing the public about the project, and carry out other preparatory works – ahead of the partial demolition of the rear of the building starting in mid to late February.

Existing businesses in the area will remain open throughout the 18-month construction scheme, and are being notified of the start of works.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economic Development, said Western Quayside is part of a comprehensive plan by the County Council and its partners to revitalise Haverfordwest town centre.

“I strongly believe that the quality of key town centres is important for the wider economic wellbeing of Pembrokeshire,” he said.

“In Haverfordwest, we’ve already opened the very successful Glan-yr-Afon library and cultural centre. In addition to the Western Quayside project, we expect to conclude the acquisition of the Riverside Shopping Centre next month and plans are well developed to enhance the Castle, and link it directly to Bridge Street.

“All these projects, taken together with our commitment for a wholesale redevelopment of the town’s multi-story car park, are designed to ensure that we as a local authority are playing our part in transforming the fortunes of Haverfordwest.”

Site materials for Western Quayside will be delivered via the Swan Square entrance between the normal working day times of 8am and 4.30pm and the appointed contractors, John Weaver Ltd, do not anticipate disruption to neighbouring properties.

Pedestrian access will be maintained from the Riverside area to Bridge Street via the footbridge and along the footway alongside the Friars. Pedestrians will also be able to access the Riverside library from the footbridge (although due to Covid restrictions, the library is current closed apart from the order and collect service).

Vehicle access to the Glan-yr-Afon road will be managed and contractors will be working with businesses in relation to deliveries and access.

However, the ‘Hole in the Wall’ car park, which is close to the former Ocky White building, will be closed from Monday, January 25^th for approximately 24 months to allow the contractors to use it as a compound. The development area has limited capacity for site materials etc, therefore this car park plays a vital role in the site set-up.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience the closure of this carpark could cause and thank our residents for working with us,” said Cllr Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure.

“Alternative parking for motorists is located in nearby carparks and on street bays.”

Local member County Councillor Thomas Tudor welcomed the beginning of the project and said it had created a lot of interest in the town.

“The Ocky White building is a key site in the Riverside area and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the work starting,” he said.

“I am very optimistic that this project and others will enable Haverfordwest town centre to become a thriving commercial and residential location with a distinct sense of place.”

The Western Quayside is one of a number of regeneration schemes led by the County Council. Other projects include the £6m regeneration of the South Quay site in Pembroke, the Pembrokeshire Food Park at Withybush Business Park, and a green infrastructure project in Haverfordwest.

Pictured (top) is an architects drawing of the Western Quayside development.

An architects image of the proposed interior.