The new Haverfordwest signature bridge has opened following a ceremony held on Riverside.
The striking signature bridge replaces the old footbridge and is part of the wider Heart of Pembrokeshire regeneration project for the County Town, including the Western Quayside transformation and the public transport interchange.
The arrival of the bridge is the latest good news for the project following the recent announcement that local business Tenby Brewing Company will move into the old Marychurch Foundry as part of the Western Quayside development, alongside the Waldo Lounge.
Attendees included First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan, PCC Cabinet Members, Prendergast Community School Super Singers Choir who performed at the opening and Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, who officially opened the footbridge in what is a significant addition to town’s landscape.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “It’s great to see the town’s new bridge open.
“Connecting the new Western Quayside development, which we expect to be fully open and occupied over the next couple of months, to the new car park and bus interchange (opening in Summer 26) is an important part of the wider Haverfordwest Masterplan.
“The bridge is just one of a number of key public sector led infrastructure projects reaching completion in 2025 and we’re beginning now to move to the next phase of the plan.
“Private sector investment is following both in the core town centre but also on the periphery where the commercial to residential conversions are beginning to get underway – shrinking the nucleus of the town centre to a high quality, vibrant core offer around the riverside.
“We’re expecting further new tenancy announcements to that Riverside core in the coming months that will drive footfall and further enhance the town centre.”
Henry Tufnell MP added: “The new Western Quayside development with the new bridge, alongside the new car park and bus interchange, will play a crucial role in restoring opportunity and pride in our local area. We’re already seeing new businesses move in, commercial spaces being repurposed, and most importantly a renewed focus on creating a vibrant town centre around our iconic riverside.
I’m committed to continuing to work with colleagues across both local and national government to secure further investment in our towns and high streets, investment that my constituents can truly feel and benefit from.”
Cllr Thomas Tudor, the local County Councillor, said: “As County Councillor for the Castle Ward, I am delighted that the installation of the new bridge and the removal of the old bridge was a great success and now that the works are completed and the bridge is now officially opened, this can only enhance the centre of Haverfordwest for the benefit of all concerned. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project. The structure is an incredible piece of engineering that will improve connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike to enjoy Western Quayside and the improved public areas.”
Following a visual inspection of the existing bridge once it was removed, it highlighted that the general condition of the steelwork was in a deteriorating condition – and although safe to use – was towards its end-of-life.
In addition, the Haverfordwest Footbridge project has been shortlisted for two Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation CIHT awards which take place later this year. This highlights the incredible work undertaken from its innovative design to construction and installation.
The bridge will have finishing touches in the coming weeks which includes an additional handrail.
