The development of a Public Transport Interchange to create a much improved multi-storey car park and bus station for Haverfordwest has taken a major step forward.

The County Planning Committee backed a recommendation to approve the development on Wednesday, subject to the agreement of some outstanding planning matters.

The project involves the demolition of the existing under-utilised and unwelcoming multi-storey car park and the creation of a much improved facility and surrounding environment, including upgraded passenger facilities, public toilets and a Changing Places facility.

The interchange will include the provision of active travel facilities and improved access and connectivity to Haverfordwest rail station in terms of walking, cycling and bus services.

The new multi-storey car park will have circa 320 spaces and be much easier to use and manoeuvre around for drivers.

Green credentials are also important with electric vehicle charging points included – with further vehicle charging expansion built-in and future-proofed.

Solar panels are planned for the new car park roof, which will be a ‘green roof’ with vegetation to mitigate surface water run off.

To mark the significant step forward a large display board has gone up on site, detailing how the development will look.

Clr. Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture and Cllr Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, welcomed the latest developments.

“This is an extremely important project for Haverfordwest,” they said.

“This is a significant opportunity to provide a modern, sensitively designed facility, in a gateway location to the county town of Haverfordwest and link with the other major regeneration developments underway, such as Western Quayside and at Haverfordwest Castle.

“We want to make it as easy and welcoming as possible for people to walk and cycle or use the sustainable transport services such as taking the bus or train, whilst still retaining the option to drive into Haverfordwest and explore and enjoy the county town.”

Clr. Tom Tudor, the local County Councillor, added: “I’m pleased that this project continues to move forward and I thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding as we work to create this new upgraded facility for the County Town.”

Some preparatory works have started to create a temporary bus stop on the site of the current Bridgend Square car park to ensure bus services can continue throughout the demolition and build phases.

Demolition of the current multi-storey is currently planned for June, subject to the necessary consents.

Further updates will be provided over coming weeks and months.

The design of the Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange Project is being funded from Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.