en.Wedoany.com Reported - Morgan Sindall Construction has achieved a key milestone in the renovation of Haverfordwest Castle, installing a new roof structure on the Grade II listed prison building within the castle's historic walls.
This double roof replacement is part of a wider regeneration plan to transform the 800-square-metre, over 200-year-old prison building into a major visitor attraction for Pembrokeshire. The next phase of the project will convert the building into an immersive three-storey visitor experience featuring interactive exhibits showcasing Pembrokeshire's history. Upon completion, the project will also include a café serving locally sourced food, a shop selling local and bespoke products, improved interpretation within the freely accessible grounds, and a 500-capacity outdoor event space for community activities such as fairs and markets.
Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council through the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework (SWWRCF) to deliver the construction phase of this heritage project. The project aims to protect the medieval fortress while upgrading facilities within the castle.
The prison building has undergone extensive structural work, including repairing thick stone walls, clearing non-heritage rubble, and installing new drainage and floor systems. The main section of the replaced roof uses a timber frame and slate tiles, while the lower section features a cladding system. Both sections are finished with zinc cladding, bringing the building up to modern standards.
As a Scheduled Monument, conservation work at Haverfordwest Castle is guided by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. The castle's original walls, dating back to the 1120s, have been reinforced and repointed by specialist contractors.
Project funding comes from a £17.7 million 'Levelling Up' grant successfully secured by Pembrokeshire County Council from the UK Government. Following archaeological excavations in the castle's inner courtyard, drainage systems have been replaced, pedestrian accessibility improved, and landscaping completed to reopen the site as a flexible event space.
Morgan Sindall has prioritised sustainability throughout the project. Through its '10 Tonne Carbon Challenge', the contractor has worked with the supply chain to reduce carbon emissions, achieving a reduction of 230.5 tonnes of CO2 across four phases of the project so far—equivalent to the annual heating needs of 86 UK homes.
Materials removed during construction have been reused wherever possible. Stone debris was donated to local civil engineering firm Walters Group, with most used to repair sections of Castle Back steps, improving the connection between the castle and Haverfordwest town centre. Structurally sound roof materials were recycled and crushed for use as bedding at a local equestrian training facility. A 1960s hardwood staircase from the archive room has been stored by the Pembrokeshire Supported Employment Programme and will be repurposed into furniture for the new café.
The project has supported local businesses, with eight local companies involved to date. Two Haverfordwest-based firms, Coe Stone and SJB, have contributed to conservation work, including stone cleaning and repair.
Morgan Sindall and its project partners, including Atkins Realis engineering firm, Roger Casey Associates consulting civil and structural engineers, and DB3 Architects, have also supported skills development in the local community. Ten apprentices have worked on the project, and five young people have completed work placements through Pembrokeshire College and Futureworks. Students from Pembrokeshire College, Swansea University, Coleg Sir Gar, and local primary schools have visited the site to learn about careers in construction. Young Castle Ambassadors will continue to be involved in the next phase of the project, helping to shape elements of the exhibition and school activity programme.
The contractor has also supported community organisations during the renovation, donating funds and materials to The Men Shed, a charity near the castle that helps alleviate loneliness and isolation through recycling and repair activities, and providing a donation to a local woodworking club.
