PEMBROKESHIRE has been given millions of pounds of extra funding from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund.

The county council has welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement, as part of Wednesday's Budget, that its grant application to the fund was successful.

The county has been awarded £17.7m to support the economic development of Haverfordwest, and a share of £19.9m to support its regeneration work at South Quay in Pembroke.

The extra funds will support the ongoing improvement work at Haverfordwest Castle as well as:

•the creation of a vibrant outdoor performance space.

•renovation of the gaol.

•a perimeter walk and further green infrastructure enhancements.

The funding will also support the enhancement of the town centre through the creation of a signature bridge between the clock tower on the Riverside and the Western Quayside development (formerly Ocky White).

The funding will also help create an improved access from the town centre to the castle.

The second LUF award of £4.1m has been made for the South Quay development in Pembroke. This award forms part of a joint bid submitted from the Carmarthen West/ South Pembrokeshire constituency.

The council proposes to create a community hub within phase two of the South Quay development currently underway, and public realm improvements nearby.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, said the announcement was fantastic news.

“These funding awards now mean we have the resources we need to implement the key elements of our plan to transform the fortunes of both towns.

Dr Steven Jones, director of community resources, said the extra funds will help offer value for money.

“Both programmes are considered to be manageable, deliverable and will lever a high value for money return against any matched contribution by Pembrokeshire County Council/local partners/further grant sources.”

Cllr Tom Tudor, county councillor for the Castle ward in Haverfordwest, also welcomed the news.

“I see Levelling Up Funding support for Haverfordwest town centre facilitating it to become a multi-functional place for all, offering a place to live, work, play and visit.”

Cllr Aaron Carey, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South which includes the South Quay site, said: “It's fantastic news the levelling up fund will be helping develop the South Quay."