COMMUNITY interest company Haverhub is hoping to bring new life in to Haverfordwest, by redeveloping the town’s old post office.

The group was recently given the green light to develop the Quay Street site after it was recently bought by Jerry Evans of Jemima Properties, who is currently redeveloping the former Swales music shop on the town’s high street.

The group will lease the building off Mr Evans, to develop a fun family-friendly meeting place, collaborative workspace, market, event centre, offices, and meeting rooms.

The project has already received the backing of Game of Thrones and Ripper Street star, Jerome Flynn, who has agreed to be a patron.

“I was sad to discover there are so many wonderful, empty buildings in Haverfordwest,” said Gitti Coats, project co-ordinator for Haverhub.

“The location and size of the old post office inspired me to imagine how it could brought back into use as a community regeneration centre.”

After months of meetings with members of the community, local groups, Cabinet Members and senior officers from Pembrokeshire County Council and regional regeneration personnel from the Welsh Assembly Government, this iconic town centre listed building is going to have a new future.

Since trying to obtain the building it has been visited by so many interested people whose enthusiasm for a central community venue has been wonderful.

Interest has come from all sections of the community including orchestras, artists, youth groups; food, drink and craft producers.

“Some amazing people came forward to offer support,” said Pam Messer, company secretary.

“The local Game of Thrones and Ripper Street star, Jerome Flynn liked the plan so much he agreed to became the patron and Jerry Evans, who is currently renovating the old Swales building in the high street, decided to support Haverhub by buying the building and offering us the opportunity of leasing it to make this project a reality.”

Haverhub director Julia Horton-Powdrill said: “Gitti’s passion and inspirational idea to provide a forward-looking lively community regeneration hub has been infectious.

“We want to bring together all sectors of the community and create a lively welcoming event, social, cultural and trading centre for the town.”

It is hoped to stage a ‘big launch’ later this year, subject to planning permission, business plans, clearing out and grant applications happen at the same time.

As part of the redevelopment of the old Post Office site, it is hoped to raise some £15,000 to kick-start renovations, and an online Justgiving web page has been set up at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/old-post-office?utm_id=2&utm_term=4DGEqXPb2 It is hoped to stage a public meeting in the next few weeks, but anyone who would like to get involved in any way can contact Haverhub on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/4haverchange or email info@haverhub.org.uk