Historic 900-year-old UK castle set to be transformed in £18m revamp | UK | News
Haverfordwest Castle in Pembrokeshire, Wales will be completely transformed (Image: Visit Pembrokshire)
The historic UK castle, which has stood for more than 900 years, is to be transformed into a major visitor attraction as part of a £17.7 million redevelopment project. Haverfordwest Castle, located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has survived centuries of conflict, neglect and decay since its first foundation in the 12th century. But now the medieval castle is entering a new era after reaching a significant milestone in its restoration.
The ambitious project, funded by the Coalition-led Pembrokeshire County Council’s successful £17.7 million levelling bid from the UK Government, will see the castle and its World War II buildings built. It will transform the grade-listed former prison building into a flagship heritage destination. Although the castle was first mentioned in 1188, its original defense is believed to date back to the 1120s.
The castle’s original defenses are believed to date back to the 1120s (Image: Google Maps)
Originally constructed of wood and earth, it gradually fell into disrepair before being attacked many times over the centuries. Today, little remains of the medieval outer ward, while the original western entrance has long since disappeared.
Construction company Morgan Sindall has completed the complete replacement of the split-level roof of the castle’s more than 200-year-old prison building and major structural works to stabilize the historic building.
The next phase of the redevelopment will transform the three-storey building into an interactive visitor attraction that tells the story of Pembrokeshire through immersive, hands-on exhibits.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a new cafe serving locally sourced food, a shop selling local and personalized goods, free-access castle grounds and a new outdoor event space for 500 people.
Once completed, the venue is expected to host community events such as open-air theater performances, fairs and markets.
The three-storey building will be transformed into an interactive visitor attraction (Image: Morgan Sindall Construction)
The two-storey roof of the prison building, which has a history of more than 200 years, has been completed. (Image: Morgan Sindall Construction)
As part of the restoration, the castle’s historic walls were also carefully strengthened and reshaped by specialist craftsmen, while archaeological excavations allowed drainage to be changed, footpaths made more accessible and parts of the land landscaped.
The project also has a strong focus on sustainability. Morgan Sindall says it has already reduced carbon emissions by more than 230 tonnes during construction, and old stones removed from the site have been reused to repair the nearby Castle Back steps, which connect the castle to Haverfordwest town centre.
Sections of the old roof have also been recycled for use in local horse training facilities, while a wooden staircase from the 1960s will also be turned into furniture for the castle’s future café.
The redevelopment is also expected to benefit the local community; The project currently employs 10 apprentices, five work experience placements have been created and local schools and colleges are visiting the area to learn about careers in construction and heritage.
Rob Williams, regional manager for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: “It has been a real responsibility and privilege to work with Pembrokeshire County Council on the delivery of such a nationally significant project.
Within the scope of the restoration, the historical walls of the castle are also carefully strengthened. (Image: Morgan Sindall Construction)
“We work on a number of heritage projects and have developed a clear and robust process to ensure we protect these incredibly important buildings and give them a new lease of life.
“Haverfordwest Castle and its surroundings will offer much more value to the local community and visiting tourists when the project is completed than just a historic landmark. The structure of the castle will be safer, will feature an events space and, with the roof now successfully completed, it will become a visitor center that lives and breathes history. All of this will be fully accessible to everyone.”
Refrom UK Councilor Paul Miller, deputy leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “We are excited to see this ambitious project progress apace and this next phase brings us much closer to a flagship heritage attraction that will not only strengthen the town’s economy but also the wider area.”
Labor County councilor Thomas Tudor said: “Haverfordwest Castle is undoubtedly the Jewel in the Crown for Pembrokeshire County Town and I am delighted that the redevelopment of the Castle is gaining momentum. It is great news that Morgan Sindall Construction has reached a significant milestone in the project to rejuvenate Haverfordwest Castle with the new roof available. The future looks very positive for Haverfordwest which both tourists and residents can enjoy.”
Renovations are expected to continue in the coming months before the castle is officially opened to visitors in 2028.
