Image: The conserved facade at Haverhub. Photo courtesy of Haverhub CIC.
Having transformed the Old Post Office into a thriving community centre, Haverhub Community Interest Company are now planning on securing the freehold of the site. The ground floor of this revitalised hub features a café and bar, as well as events spaces fully outfitted with a commercial kitchen, while the first floor provides office and meeting space, with a particular emphasis on the creative industries sector. The adjoining sorting office has become a flexible space for creators, events, and a regular indoor market. Additionally, the vehicle depot and goods yard now provides performance areas, a courtyard community garden, and an area for street food, music, and markets.
Images: The derelict vehicle depot at Haverhub before the restoration of the building (left) and a performance in the vehicle depot after (right). Photos courtesy of Haverhub CIC.
The Old Post Office project demonstrates the strengths of a truly community-led approach to saving historic buildings by engaging extensively with the community to understand its needs and providing spaces for a range of facilities and activities.
Since 2018, the project has received three grants from the AHF. Two Project Development Grants supported the design work needed to secure planning permissions and listed-building consent for both Phases 1 and 2. Additionally, Haverhub was also awarded a Capital Works Grant to support Phase 2 of the Old Post Office transformation. Thanks to an award of £334,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund Townscape Heritage programme, Phase 1 was completed; this has allowed Haverhub to begin generating income through events and to build demand for the future hire of the main Post Office space.
About Haverhub CIC
Haverhub CIC was established in 2017 to provide an inclusive social, entertainment and local commerce centre to benefit the community of Haverfordwest and surrounding areas. The group works to encourage local trade and increase social and intergenerational activity in the town centre, and provides positive opportunities for people to volunteer and collaborate for the improvement of local culture and prospects. While a fairly new organisation, Haverhub CIC has become well-established within the community, and is fully supported by the local authority and local stakeholders.
Image: A festival held in the courtyard of Haverhub. Photo courtesy of Haverhub CIC.
AHF Funding
Project Development Grant - £9,950 (2018)
Project Development Grant - £7,500 (2019)
Capital Grant Wales - £40,000 (2020)
These grants were made possible by funding from the Pilgrim Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and Cadw.
External Funding
National Lottery Heritage Fund Townscape Heritage programme
Welsh Government’s Community Facilities programme
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Targeted Regeneration Initiative and Enhancing Pembrokeshire programme
Image Credits
Haverhub CIC
April 2022
