A new fitness venture is set to revitalise part of Haverfordwest’s High Street, following the approval by Pembrokeshire Council to transform a formerly vacant shop into a specialised exercise studio. The decision marks a significant change in the use of the premises at 17 High Street, previously home to the kitchen fitting and design retailer ‘CwtchHaus Design’.
The application to repurpose the site was submitted by Amy Abraham, founder of Tidal Fitness Ltd, who intends to create a boutique fitness studio catering to small-group exercise classes and one-on-one personal training sessions. The proposed hours for the studio will span from 6am through to 10pm, providing flexibility for clients, and the business is expected to create four part-time job opportunities for local residents.
The landlord for the property has expressed robust support for the initiative, describing the studio as a “valuable addition” to the town centre. They emphasised that the operations would be strictly contained within the existing premises, and highlighted the low-impact nature of the work, which is unlikely to disturb neighbouring businesses or disrupt footfall patterns along the High Street. Importantly, plans indicate that no major changes will be made to the building’s exterior, maintaining consistency with the surrounding commercial streetscape.
In a written statement, the landlord explained that securing a “responsible tenant with a viable, locally focused business model” was essential for the future upkeep of the unit and for promoting vibrancy in the area. Bringing in Tidal Fitness Ltd, they argue, aligns with these goals by encouraging healthy lifestyle options and generating both economic and social benefits for the community.
Council officers, after reviewing the proposal, acknowledged that it would result in the loss of an A1 (shop) classification along a secondary retail frontage. However, they noted that the introduction of a D2 class (fitness studio) is in line with the aims of local development policy, which encourages diversification and resilience in key hubs like Haverfordwest. The plan also fits within broader strategies to ensure sustainable growth in rural towns.
The officer’s report supporting the application further highlighted the positive ripple effects the new studio is likely to have. Not only does the venture promise to inject fresh economic life into the town centre, but it also contributes towards a more active, health-conscious community—benefits that extend to both the physical and mental well-being of participants. There is a growing recognition that access to spaces for physical activity forms a crucial part of a balanced urban offer, especially in fast-changing retail environments.
Planning officials ultimately granted conditional approval, paving the way for work to begin preparing the former CwtchHaus Design unit for its new purpose. This decision is viewed by many local stakeholders as a proactive step toward adapting Haverfordwest’s retail core to meet new demands, ensuring the town centre continues to serve residents’ changing needs.
Community responses to the announcement have so far been positive, with many welcoming the return of activity to what would otherwise have been an empty shopfront. There is hope among both business owners and residents that the studio will help boost footfall, not just for itself but for neighbouring retailers, by attracting visitors at various times of the day.
The move reflects a broader trend across high streets nationwide, as traditional retail spaces are being reimagined to host alternative uses—whether that means hospitality, collaborative workspaces, or, as with Tidal Fitness, health and wellness facilities. It remains to be seen how this new venture will shape the evolution of Haverfordwest’s commercial heart in the years ahead.