Arwain Sir Benfro - the Local Action Group (LAG) for Pembrokeshire, administered by PLANED - have recently provided funding, through the LEADER programme, for a feasibility study into the proposed Henry VII Visitor Centre in Pembroke, with Pembrokeshire County Council backing the project with match-funding.

Pembroke Town Council is leading on this feasibility study, which is a vital first step in the development of the proposed Henry VII Visitor Centre, a project for regeneration, capitalising on Pembroke’s prestigious heritage.

The project is a part of a wider strategy to harness the value of the Henry VII story and Pembroke being the source of the Tudor dynasty and to build a compelling asset of great strategic value towards wider regeneration initiatives.

Interest in the Tudor story is huge and international. A great deal of groundwork has already been done to gauge public support. Direct proof of the extraordinary level of interest in Henry VII can be gained from the amazing response of the Statue Appeal which raised over £22,000 towards the Henry VII statue, with Valero and Mr. Richard Evan,s who very kindly gave generously towards the statue.

The statue is located on the Mill Bridge and was unveiled in June.

The Henry VII Visitor Centre feasibility study is just one example of the great projects being supported in the county. PLANED, now celebrating its 30th year, has helped communities in Pembrokeshire to access over £25m worth of funding during that time.

Arwain Sir Benfro is currently inviting submissions of project ideas from local community groups, organisations or businesses.

Cris Tomos, animation and impact officer, said: “In 2016 Arwain Sir Benfro projects amounted to £1.2m and there is further funding and support available now in 2017.

“If you have an innovative idea that could benefit your community, you may be able to get funding from the LEADER programme and we would love to hear from you.”

LEADER can support all kinds of activity: mentoring, training, feasibility studies or pilot projects that test an innovative new idea. It could also be used for projects that improve local skills, make better use of a local resource or realise the economic potential of part of the locality leading to a ‘new’ outcome or product.

Further information about LEADER, which is part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, financed by the Welsh Government and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) or Arwain Sir Benfro can be found at www.arwainsirbenfro.cymru.

If you have an idea, or would like further details on how to apply, please contact Jess or Cris at PLANED on 01834 860965 [email protected]