Haverfordwest Castle, a 900-year-old fortress in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is undergoing a £17.7 million transformation into a flagship heritage destination. The project, funded by the UK Government's levelling-up bid and led by Pembrokeshire County Council, will convert the medieval castle and its Grade II-listed former gaol building into an interactive visitor attraction.
Historic Milestone Reached
Construction company Morgan Sindall has completed a full replacement of the two-level roof on the castle's more than 200-year-old gaol building, alongside major structural work to stabilise the historic building. The castle, first mentioned in 1188 with original defences dating back to the 1120s, has survived centuries of conflict, neglect, and decay.
Next Phase: Interactive Exhibitions and Community Spaces
The next phase will transform the three-storey gaol into an interactive visitor attraction telling the story of Pembrokeshire through immersive, hands-on exhibitions. Visitors will also enjoy a new café serving locally sourced food, a shop selling local products, free-to-access castle grounds, and a new 500-seat outdoor events space. Once complete, the venue is expected to host community events including open-air theatre performances, fairs, and markets.
Sustainability and Community Benefits
The project emphasises sustainability. Morgan Sindall has reduced carbon emissions by more than 230 tonnes during construction. Old stone removed from the site has been reused to repair nearby Castle Back steps, sections of the old roof have been recycled for use at local horse training facilities, and a 1960s hardwood staircase will be turned into furniture for the castle's future café.
Ten apprentices are already working on the project, five work experience placements have been created, and local schools and colleges have visited the site to learn about careers in construction and heritage.
Expert and Official Comments
Rob Williams, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: “It has been a real responsibility and privilege to work with Pembrokeshire County Council on delivering such a nationally significant project. We work on a lot of heritage projects and have developed a clear and robust process to ensure that we protect these incredibly important buildings and give them a new lease of life. Haverfordwest Castle and its grounds will deliver so much more value to the local community and visiting tourists than just being a historical landmark once the project is completed.”
Councillor Paul Miller, deputy leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “We are excited to see this ambitious project continue apace and this next stage brings us much closer to what will be a flagship heritage attraction, boosting not only the town’s economy but also the wider area.”
Labour Party County councillor Thomas Tudor said: “Haverfordwest Castle is without doubt the Jewel in the Crown for the County Town of Pembrokeshire, and I am so pleased that the redevelopment of the Castle is gaining momentum. Its brilliant news that Morgan Sindall Construction has reached a key milestone in the project to rejuvenate Haverfordwest Castle with the new roof now in place. The future is looking very positive for Haverfordwest, which can be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike.”
Timeline and Future Plans
Renovation work is expected to continue over the coming months before the castle officially reopens to visitors in 2028.
