THE HUBBERSTON and Hakin Community Forum, a development group focused on the regeneration of local communities in the Milford Haven area, is pleased to announce its Community Asset Transfer application to Pembrokeshire County Council for a new, sustainable local redevelopment project.
The Forum, which has spearheaded community redevelopment through the Building Communities Trust’s ‘Invest Local’ funding programme since 2016, is looking to secure Council approval for a new commercially sustainable and community-led development agenda, coordinated through a new organisation, the Gelliswick Bay Development Society.
Using a proportion of remaining funds secured under the Invest Local programme, the Forum’s proposal will create a new, self-sustaining development project allowing the community to come together to allocate investment in their local area. This central tenet of the Forum’s vision is designed so that it leaves a legacy to serve the needs of the community, not just today but long into the future.
The Gelliswick Bay Development Society will seek private, local investment into the fund and investors will have a vote on future development plans in their area. A large proportion of the Society’s profits will be reinvested into local organisations and associations in the community with some profits also held back to ensure future investment for generations to come.
Following the necessary approvals from the Council, initial plans are focused on the redevelopment of the former caravan park at Gelliswick. During this phased project, additional camping and parking facilities will be introduced, with subsequent development to involve the introduction of woodland walks, sports areas, coffee shop facilities, and workshops, as well as a resource centre to be used by local organisations, associations, and schools. There will also be an area of dedicated Green Space for the communities’ wellbeing, with eco-therapy courses and other opportunities for local people to practice rural crafts available.
The proposal has been made both with the community in mind and by the community itself, with extensive engagement and consultation with a wide range of local stakeholders including the Sea Scouts, Sea Cadets, Gelliswick School, Preservation Society, and local residents.
David Warrell (Forum Chair), the Hubberston and Hakin Community Forum, commented:
“We see this as a unique opportunity to create a long-lasting, sustainable and community-led investment platform that can focus on the redevelopment of our beloved communities. The monies we received under the Building Communities Trust’s ‘Invest Local’ programme back in 2016 has been transformational but was never designed to last forever.
“In launching this Community Benefit Society, we want to ensure that there is a legacy for the future generations to reap the rewards so that our communities flourish for years to come.
“Our gratitude is particularly extended to Forum colleague, Darren Briggs, for his immense effort in pulling together the proposal and application.”
The proposals will be submitted to the Pembrokeshire County Council and will be subject to review, planning and funding considerations and appraisals.
