Paul Davies AM recently officially opened Newport’s Canolfan Croeso Welcome Centre.

The previous Visitor Centre was a much valued and popular asset for the town of Newport and to the many tourists who visited each year.

When faced with possible closure of the visitor centre Newport Town Council approached the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to negotiate a Community Asset Transfer and submit a business plan. This proposed moving Newport Community Library, which is run by volunteers in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, into one half of the building, and setting up a volunteer led Information Centre for the community and tourists in the other half. It also proposed that in the coming years it will become a central hub for all the community with a meeting room to the rear and access for all to local information, services and providers.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority kindly agreed to the Community Asset Transfer, and with funding from the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant the building was refurbished and set up for the new dual purpose centre.

Commenting on the official opening, Paul Davies said “I was honoured to be asked to perform the official opening of the Canolfan Croeso Welcome Centre having played a small part in lobbying for just such a facility to be available in Newport. I would like to thank all those that put so much hard work into making this a reality.”

“With the opening of the Tourist Information Centre in addition to the library this really is a multi-functional facility for local residents and tourists alike. I feel this is an excellent example of a community working with others to ensure a much valued facility can continue and prosper for many years to come.”