Community Initiative Redevelops Former Haverfordwest’s Temperance Hall into Print Works and Exhibition Centre

Works are progressing with a community initiative redevelopment of Haverfordwest’s former Temperance Hall, which has been a cinema, a bingo hall and a WW2 billet for Dutch soldiers, into a print works and exhibition centre.
Stuart Berry of community-led initiative Haverfordwest Heritage was granted permission by county planners last September for works at the Grade-II-listed Temperance Hall, 5 St Mary Street.
The long list of works and renovations will create a new heritage printing centre, temporary exhibition area, cafe and private enterprise space.
Works started in September 2024.
The building was purchased in February 2024 and has been renovated through the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund. Current interior renovations are being funded by Pembrokeshire County Council with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
A supporting statement through agent Acanthus Holden Architects said the Temperance Hall dates from 1888-89, previously housing the Dolphin Inn and was originally earmarked for a free library and museum, instead the hall was built as part of the 19th-century Temperance Movement.
“Its architectural significance includes a grand stuccoed façade, a large central arched fanlight with coloured glazing, and a distinctive pediment inscribed with ‘1888 Temperance Hall’,” the statement, says, adding the building’s use evolved over the 20th century, variously becoming “White’s Cinema de Luxe, a billet for Dutch soldiers during WWII, a bingo hall, a Masonic lodge, and an attempted Indian restaurant in the early 2000s”.
It had stood vacant for over 13 years during which time significant internal changes were made, including the loss of original tiered galleries and the insertion of a poorly designed mezzanine, the statement adds.
Detailing the applicant and proposal, it says Haverfordwest Heritage had a mission “to transform empty heritage buildings into vibrant spaces that support learning, local enterprise, arts and culture,” adding: “Their work aims to improve accessibility, encourage tourism, and strengthen the local economy while preserving the town’s architectural heritage.
“The proposal seeks to refurbish and repurpose the building as a Heritage Print Centre (ground floor), temporary exhibition space (first floor), and café (mezzanine). The basement will be occupied by related private enterprises, accessed from Dark Street.
“This scheme not only aims to bring the building back into meaningful use after over a decade of vacancy, but also does so in a way that respects and responds to its architectural, social and historic significance.”
It went on to say: “These proposals will secure the future of Temperance Hall as a vibrant civic asset and a centre of cultural and creative activity within Haverfordwest. In doing so, the project supports the mission and values of Haverfordwest Heritage, ensuring the building serves as a beacon for inclusive, sustainable regeneration and a lasting benefit to the local community.”
Visiting the site recently, local county councillor Tom Tudor said: “As county councillor for the Castle Ward it was lovely to be invited by Haverfordwest Heritage Officers Stuart Berry CEO and Phillip Evitt Director and Vice Chair to see what progress has been made on the Temperance Hall development project in Saint Mary’s Street in Haverfordwest.
“Accompanied with me was Steve Jardine from the Regeneration Department at Pembrokeshire County Council who, alongside myself was very supportive and impressed with the project and extremely excited for the future aspirations of Haverfordwest Heritage team.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

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By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​