TOWN centres need more than traditional retail to thrive, says Paul Davies MS, following a visit to Stormborn in Pembroke Dock, a community interest company specialising in bringing people together through Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop gaming.

The Conservative Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro visited Stormborn to learn more about the business and how it is helping to create a welcoming space for people of different ages to meet, socialise and enjoy shared interests.

Offering activities centred around popular games including Pokémon and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Stormborn provides an alternative to traditional leisure and entertainment, giving gaming enthusiasts a place to connect, develop friendships and become part of a wider community.

During the visit, Mr Davies discussed the role that businesses like Stormborn can play in supporting town centres, particularly as high streets adapt to changing shopping habits and increasing competition from online retailers.

He believes that encouraging a broader mix of retail, leisure, hospitality, entertainment and community spaces is essential to attracting visitors and supporting the long-term future of towns like Pembroke Dock.

Paul Davies MS with James Densham and a volunteer at Stormborn Games
"Stormborn is a great example of the kind of independent business that can bring something different to a high street,” said Paul Davies (Paul Davies MS)

Paul Davies MS said:

"It was fantastic to visit Stormborn and see something a little different happening in the heart of Pembroke Dock.

"Whether you're into Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons or tabletop gaming, Stormborn is providing a space where people can come together, enjoy a shared interest and make new friends.

"What's particularly encouraging is the sense of community that businesses like this can create. It's not simply about playing games – it's about bringing people together, building friendships and giving people somewhere to belong.

"When we talk about regenerating our town centres, we often focus on filling empty shops, but I think we need to look at the bigger picture.

"Of course, traditional shops remain incredibly important, but successful town centres also need entertainment, leisure activities, places to eat and opportunities for people to socialise.

"The more reasons we give people to visit our towns and spend time there, the better it is for surrounding businesses too.

"Stormborn is a great example of the kind of independent business that can bring something different to a high street, and it was really encouraging to see what they're doing here in Pembroke Dock."

Mr Davies said supporting independent businesses and encouraging new uses for town centre premises would be increasingly important in helping high streets adapt and remain attractive to residents and visitors.

He added:

"We need town centres that reflect how people live today. That means supporting traditional retailers while also welcoming businesses that offer new experiences and activities.

"Pembroke Dock has enormous potential, and it's businesses like Stormborn, alongside our shops, cafés and other local enterprises, that can help make it a place people want to visit.”

Mr Davies’ comments come hot on the heals of his appearance at the vibrant relaunch of Pembroke Dock’s Friday Market, and follow appeals by County Councillor Jamie Street and Town Councillor Claire Francis-Boswell for town regeneration in respect of Dimond Street’s more dilapidated properties.