Haverfordwest’s Western Quayside regeneration scheme will see a new bar and street food venue as well as the possibility of an “innovation hub,” a report for councillors has revealed.

In a report for members Pembrokeshire County Council’s services overview and scrutiny committee, ahead of its November meeting, members are asked to scrutinise an update on the Western Quayside/Ocky White redevelopment in Haverfordwest.

The report also details the management of empty properties owned by the council in the town centre, and the outcome of a council paint scheme in the county’s towns.

The report says: “The principal update is to report that the construction phase to address the dereliction and town centre blight of the former Ocky White building in Haverfordwest, now known as Western Quayside, has been completed and vibrancy returned to the riverside through the long-term tenancy of a new hospitality venue for Haverfordwest.

“The Western Quayside project has been a key regeneration initiative aimed at revitalising the town centre by transforming a prominent riverside location into a vibrant, multi-purpose destination.”

It says Tenby Brewery Co took occupation of the Marychurch Foundry Building, adjacent to former Ocky White building, on November 3 with plans to create a bar offering their locally brewed beer as well as street food; works to fit it out having begun.

The report also says the upper floors of Western Quayside may become “an innovation business hub offering offices, co-working space, meeting rooms and event space,” with negotiations ongoing.

The report also details management of empty properties in Haverfordwest, saying: “Currently there are a number of vacant units in Riverside shopping centre, the largest and most problematic of which is the former Wilko Building, 2 – 6 Old Bridge, Haverfordwest. This site is being actively marketed.

“As well as Riverside, we have several other PCC owned properties which are vacant including 2 Old Bridge, 2 Picton Place, The Courtyard shops and 16-18 Bridge Street.

“Various strategies are being employed to address the issue from disposal (2 Picton Place) to meanwhile uses (6 Riverside) with all lettable properties being actively marketed. The re-letting on the former Wilko building is, however, likely to be key to revitalising the town centre and meaningfully increasing occupancy rates.”

The report also details The Pembrokeshire Streetscape Paint Scheme, initially opened in 2024 under the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), covering Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Goodwick, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Narberth, St Davids, Tenby, Saundersfoot and Crymych, with grants of £591,905.49 and an additional £211,109.19 contributed by .

It says more than 190 properties were improved, with a follow-on seeing a further 106 town centre paint schemes being actioned; an additional 50 shopfront enhancement schemes either completed or underway.