Historic Pembrokeshire courthouse to be transformed into theatre

A proposal to convert part of a town centre courthouse, regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Wales, into a theatre has received approval from county planners. At the June meeting of Pembrokeshire Council's planning committee members were advised to grant an application by Mr N Heywood for a change of use of part of the former court room building known as Shire Hall located in Haverfordwest's High Street. Constructed in 1835, to the design of local architect William Owen, Shire Hall is a Grade-II*-listed building described by Cadw as one of the finest of its type in Wales. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter . According to Haverfordwest Civic Society the court has witnessed numerous significant trials with the first being that of Rebecca Rioters on several occasions between 1840 and 1844. When the law courts were relocated to Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire County Council awarded a developer a 999-year lease on a peppercorn rent. The building housed a couple of restaurants on its upper floors in the early 2000s with the last of these believed to have closed around 2010. According to the application the theatre would "bring the vacant building back into a meaningful use resulting in the preservation of the Grade-II*-Listed building and contributing to the enhancement and regeneration of the town centre of Haverfordwest". The application notes there would be no alterations to the exterior of Shire Hall though some internal works would be carried out. A corresponding listed building consent application has also been lodged with planners. The applicant's representative, Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services, has stated the theatre's operating hours will be from 10am to 11pm. Haverfordwest Town Council backed the proposal in principle but requested it be determined by committee. It expressed concerns partly due to insufficient detail in the original application and worries about possible damage to the historic structure. Haverfordwest Civic Society also raised concerns with members "anxious that any new use should respect and conserve the integrity of the historic courtroom interior, which remains substantially intact, including the judges' bench, dock, witness box, public benches, and associated fittings". The application will be considered by committee rather than through delegated authority to planning officers following a request from the local member. An officer's report recommending approval states: "As a former courtroom this use would historically have been characterised by the public assembling within the area via a formalised gathering. "The proposed use as a theatre would remain broadly compatible with the historic function of the courtroom as a place used for public congregation. "The proposed use as a theatre would introduce audience-based occupation and periods of intensified use, however, this is not considered inherently dissimilar to the building's historic use, with any internal alterations subject to the listed building consent application which is currently under consideration. "In addition bringing the building into use is likely to contribute positively to the preservation and maintenance of the historic building." During the meeting Drew Baker, as the end user of the theatre scheme, said the proposals would allow "one of the finest public buildings of its type in Wales" to be brought back "into meaningful use" and would be an "investment in the cultural economy of Haverfordwest" creating a "genuine cultural destination" in the centre of the town. Committee members were informed a related listed building consent application, currently being assessed by planners, would address internal modifications with plans for the theatre, a pizza restaurant, and a bar. The application received approval with 11 votes in favour and two against. The listed building element of the scheme remains under review by planning officers. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .