Renovation work to bring new life to Haverfordwest’s Grade II-listed Temperance Hall is advancing as a community-led project prepares to open a heritage printing centre, exhibition spaces, a café and private enterprise units in the heart of the town.
From 19th-century temperance meeting place to community hub
The building at 5 St Mary Street dates from 1888–89 and has had a varied life: it was once the Dolphin Inn, later became White’s Cinema de Luxe, served as a billet for Dutch soldiers during the second world war, and in more recent decades has been a bingo hall and Masonic lodge. It has stood vacant for more than a decade.
Haverfordwest Heritage, the town’s community-led group behind the scheme, secured planning permission from county planners in September and began interior works in September 2024. The building itself was purchased in February 2024.
Funding and practical support
The acquisition of the Temperance Hall was made possible through the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund. Current interior renovations are being paid for by Pembrokeshire County Council using monies from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The project has also been supported through advice and planning input from agents at Acanthus Holden Architects.
- Historic date: Built 1888–89
- Purchase: February 2024
- Works started: September 2024
- Planning permission: Granted September (last year)
“to transform empty heritage buildings into vibrant spaces that support learning, local enterprise, arts and culture,”
The supporting statement lodged with planners highlights the building’s notable architectural features, including a stuccoed façade, a large central arched fanlight with coloured glazing and a pediment bearing the inscription ‘1888 Temperance Hall’. It notes, too, that over more than a decade of vacancy the interior suffered significant alterations, such as the removal of original tiered galleries and insertion of a poorly conceived mezzanine.
What the project will offer the town
Once complete, the Temperance Hall will house a heritage printing centre designed to promote traditional printing techniques and local history; temporary exhibition space to host rotating displays; a café to serve visitors and residents; and dedicated private enterprise space for small businesses or community enterprises. The scheme aims to increase accessibility, attract more visitors to the town centre and provide a focal point for cultural and educational activity in Haverfordwest.
The project also carries potential economic benefits: creating a new community destination in the town centre could support footfall for nearby shops and help broaden Haverfordwest’s offer for visitors. Local councillor Tom Tudor has been photographed at the site as works continue, underlining the council’s public support for the redevelopment.
Next steps and community involvement
Internal refurbishment continues, with Haverfordwest Heritage overseeing the conversion and coordinating funding and contractors. The group says the long-term aim is to run the building as a welcoming public space that supports learning, arts and local enterprise.
As work progresses, residents and local organisations are being kept informed through public updates. The project illustrates how national community funding streams and county-level investment can combine to rescue an architecturally significant building from dereliction and repurpose it for public benefit.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Building constructed | 1888–89 |
| Purchased by Haverfordwest Heritage | February 2024 |
| Interior work commenced | September 2024 |
| Planning permission granted | September (last year) |
The Temperance Hall project is an example of local determination to safeguard Haverfordwest’s historic fabric while creating practical community space. As renovations move forward, the town will be watching to see how the restored building contributes to cultural life and local enterprise.
