Pembrokeshire council is set to approve a lease for a "major high street retailer" to move into the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest's Riverside shopping area. A special extraordinary meeting of the council's cabinet is scheduled for Friday, with the sole agenda item concerning the redevelopment and lease proposal for the site at Unit 1/2-6 Old Bridge.
Rumours of Primark takeover
Local rumours have previously centred on budget fashion chain Primark taking over the premises, though no official announcement has been made. The site forms part of the Riverside shopping centre estate, which was purchased by Pembrokeshire council in November 2020.
The building served as the town's Wilko store until the retailer shut its doors in 2023, following its parent company entering administration. A report prepared for councillors ahead of the meeting states: "Upon the building being returned to the council it became apparent that it was in a poor state of repair."
Poor condition and refurbishment plans
The report notes that the deteriorating roof, ageing building fabric and outdated internal layout limited its suitability for modern retail, commercial or community uses without substantial investment. The council was also unable to fully recover dilapidation costs due to Wilko's insolvency.
Since becoming vacant, the property has represented one of the most significant empty commercial units in the county town. Surveys in 2026 revealed the structure was "in a significantly poorer condition than originally anticipated", necessitating a more extensive refurbishment programme.
The premises were marketed through a commercial property agent to test market interest and identify potential occupiers, which generated enquiries from a number of national retailers. A lease proposal from "a major high street retailer" is deemed to "provide best value to the council, both in terms of rental income and the wider economic benefits associated with securing a nationally recognised occupier within the town centre".
Lease approval and financial implications
The proposed lease has received approval from the prospective tenant's board, with this approval remaining valid until October 31. Refurbishment cannot commence until the Agreement for Lease is finalised.
Alternatives include taking no action, which would result in continuing "reactive maintenance and management costs" and "a missed opportunity to support the regeneration of Haverfordwest town centre and Riverside shopping centre". The document also reveals that £47,000 is currently forecast to be drawn from the council's "Riverside reserve to support the increased costs incurred as a result of Unit 1 being vacant" during this financial year.
The report adds: "The proposal will support the ongoing regeneration of Haverfordwest town centre by securing a major high street retailer for a prominent vacant unit, bringing a building currently in poor condition back into beneficial economic use, increasing footfall and visitor activity within the town centre, and generating a revenue surplus for the Riverside shopping centre reserve."
