The total budget for the South Quay redevelopment of Pembroke now tops £27.5m but nearly £17m in grant funding has been secured, councillors have heard.

The multi-million-pound project at South Quay, below the town’s castle, led by Pembrokeshire County Council and Andrew Scott Ltd, previously costed at £18m, is progressing in its two-phase redevelopment.

The first phase, funded by the Welsh Government, will see the creation of a Henry Tudor visitor centre, a library and information centre, a café, and landscaped gardens.

The second phase, known as the ‘Pembroke Hwb’, is funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme and the Welsh Government.

This phase will transform numbers 7 and 8 Northgate Street into a three-storey integrated community hub.

Cllr Harvey highlighted “the substantial grant funding,” adding: “Let’s not forget these were derelict buildings in a prime location that had been dormant and derelict for many years.
Pembrokeshire Council leader, Cllr Jon Harvey highlighted “the substantial grant funding,” adding: “Let’s not forget these were derelict buildings in a prime location that had been dormant and derelict for many years. (PCC)

The hub aims to support independent living for people of all ages and provides supported employment for people with disabilities.

It will also offer space for day opportunities and learning and skills development.

In addition to the new facilities, the redevelopment plans include environmental enhancements.

In a submitted question heard at the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Alan Dennison asked: “The initial estimate for the South Quay development was approximately £18 million, as provided by Andrew Scott.

“Could the Cabinet Member for Regeneration [Cllr Paul Miller] please provide an update on the total projected costs associated with the project, including both capital expenditures and any grant allocations?”

Responding to Cllr Dennison’s question on Cllr Miller’s behalf, Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the second phase, budgeted at £17,690,894.56, with works progressing ahead of an expected July 2026 completion.

Members heard total capital costs for the scheme as a whole had a budget of £27,502,978, supported by four grant awards of £5,825,000, £6.5m, £250,000, and £4,168,823, for a total of £16,743,823 of external investment to Pembroke.

After Cllr Dennison remarked the overall cost of the scheme had gone up by some £9.5m, Cllr Harvey highlighted “the substantial grant funding,” adding: “Let’s not forget these were derelict buildings in a prime location that had been dormant and derelict for many years.

“This administration had picked up the mantle that the previous administration hadn’t and has a will to transform these buildings, not only with a visitor centre but phase 2 will be a social services hub.

“In terms of savings to the council going forward, notwithstanding the renovation, we’ll actually be saving circa £900,000 per year for social services.”