The repurposing of a Grade II listed building will create a new arts facility for the community and support local creative businesses as part of regeneration of one of Pembrokeshire’s historic town centres. The Italianate façade of the Temperance Hall in the centre of Haverfordwest has graced the high street since 1889, a symbol of the town’s collective social history. Cinema, wartime billet and canteen, bingo hall, tax office and Freemasons’ Hall - has seen it all! But after these many incarnations, it has been unused, unloved and empty since 2009.
Now it is being given a new lease of life. A community remembers Solo and services at Molleston Baptist Church Torch Theatre and Pembrokeshire Pride present ‘Beautiful Thing’ Welcome to the Woods The Temperance Hall will be restored and repurposed to create a new Community Printworks which is set to open in summer 2025. This will include providing an exhibition space, print and design workspaces, and a well-equipped workshop with traditional printing presses which will host an exciting programme of courses.
Heidi Baker, art and design tutor at Pembrokeshire College and founder of Popty Press, said: “Haverfordwest has so much potential, and I feel excited to be part of a new energy reviving the town. Each little pinprick of new activity may be small, but when they all join up we’ll make our town a place we can be proud of.” One of 12 UK Heritage Development Trusts funded through a partnership between the Architect.
