Pembrokeshire’s most prominent historic landmark, Haverfordwest Castle, is to undergo a major restoration under plans unveiled by the county council that aim to position the site as a key visitor attraction and a catalyst for town centre regeneration.
Ambitious scheme to re-open the fortress in 2028
The project, with a budget of £17.7 million, will see the castle temporarily closed while works are carried out; the authority expects the site to re-open in 2028. The upgrade will include extensive refurbishment of the large 18th‑century gaol building and the adjoining Governor’s House, which the council says will offer an interactive exhibition across three floors and all‑weather facilities to draw visitors year round.
Councillors and officers believe the scheme could act as an economic engine for Haverfordwest. The council described the development as acting "a catalyst for the regeneration of Haverfordwest" and said the site would be used to signpost visitors to other heritage destinations across Pembrokeshire.
"The development would act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Haverfordwest."
Local leaders say the idea took shape after councillor David Lloyd noted the positive impact the restoration of Cardigan Castle had on its town centre. The council expects the Haverfordwest project to encourage visitors to spend more time — and money — in the town, supporting cafes, shops and independent businesses in the historic centre.
- Interactive exhibition across three floors of the former gaol building.
- Community spaces and free access to improved grounds.
- Open‑air events area with capacity for 500 people.
- Greening measures including a medicinal garden, micro‑meadows and pollinator‑friendly planting.
- Educational and volunteering opportunities with a dedicated school programme.
Officials say the scheme will also enhance biodiversity within the grounds, introducing a medicinal garden, micro‑meadows and pollinator‑friendly planting. There will be a focus on community engagement through volunteering and a dedicated schools programme intended to connect local pupils with the site’s long history.
| Key detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Project cost | £17.7m |
| Target re‑opening | 2028 |
| Open‑air events capacity | 500 people |
Haverfordwest Castle has stood in various forms for some eight centuries, first recorded by Giraldus Cambrensis in 1188. Much of the inner ward and curtain walls survive within the stone towers that dominate the riverside skyline, and the plans seek to knit that heritage more closely into the everyday life of the town.
For residents the scheme raises practical questions as well as promise. The temporary closure will affect regular visitors and any events currently held on site; the council has indicated the grounds will be free to access when works are complete, but has not published a detailed timeline of phased access during the refurbishment. Local businesses will be watching closely to see how the works are scheduled and whether short‑term disruption is offset by a sustained increase in visitor numbers once the project is finished.
Beyond Haverfordwest the county council hopes the refurbished castle will function as a gateway for tourists to discover the wider attractions of Pembrokeshire. By concentrating investment in the county town the authority aims to spread economic benefits across the area, using the castle as a hub to direct visitors to other heritage sites and experiences.
The council has stressed community involvement will be part of the project and has announced plans for volunteering roles and educational activity, but finer details of delivery, procurement and the phasing of works are yet to be released. As the scheme moves forward, local groups and traders will be keen to work with the council to ensure the benefits are felt across Haverfordwest.
The announcement is the most significant in recent years for Haverfordwest’s historic quarter — a long‑standing asset for the town now poised to be reshaped with substantial public investment.
