Sgwâr Jemeima/Jemima Square

Aim

The aim is to build a multipurpose community space in the Fishguard Town Square for the residents, community groups, visitors, and commerce

We Need Your Support to Achieve the Below Concept. All Donations No Matter How Small Will Bring This a Step Closer to Becoming a Reality

We are asking you to donate to this cause as we intend to apply for a large grant, in order to apply for that grant we need to prove that the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick truly back this concept. It is also beneficial to prove this by fundraising. We are aiming to fundraise around 35,000 pounds toward the purchase of this premises and to pursue a capital grant for the remainder of the funds.

Please Note The Following: If we are unsuccessful in acquiring the former Barclays' premises the funds raised will go toward a statue of Jemima Nicholas and the New Years Eve Street Party; however we remain optimistic that an arrangement will be possible. 

Fishguard has recently undergone a transformation. The Town Square is no longer a round about but a Y-Junction. The pavements have been widened, and road signage has been introduced for safety reasons, directing the flow of vehicles around the new one-way system. Although this is an improvement for both pedestrians and vehicles, the resulting impact is a loss of versatility of the Town Centre.

The very popular Fishguard New Years Eve Street Party have procured a new site on the Square but there are challenges ahead and constant negotiations to undertake.

 A purpose-built area as part of the Sgwâr Jemeima/Jemima Square Concept could potentially result in a permanent new home being created and the future of the event being secured. Remaining on the Square is considered paramount with its proximity to the local pubs, eateries, and town hall.

Now that the roadworks are finished, we have the opportunity to enhance this space further. The Welsh Government have provided large grants to Pembroke and Haverfordwest to create new commercial and community spaces. Part of these projects included monies to demolish buildings and both will include outdoor spaces for the general public. It would be beneficial for Fishguard to follow this lead and open up a space that is built for purpose on the town square.

On Fishguards’ town square there are a number of iconic buildings that need highlighting: The Town Hall, The Abergwaun, The Royal Oak (Where the Treaty was signed during the last invasion), and St Mary’s Church. Between St Mary’s Church and the Royal Oak is the former Barclays Bank. The Barclays building has seen some unfortunate maintenance over the years and is now empty, disused and an overall eyesore. It is not a grade two listed building and is not in character with the rest of the buildings on the square. The project being proposed is to purchase and demolish this building, therefore opening up useable space in the Town Centre that is multifunctional to local community groups, residents, and tourists alike.

This space can be paved using the same material as the new pavements, and a garden wall can be erected separating St Mary’s Church from the new space. A purpose-built area will be left available for the stage on New Years Eve should it prove viable. There could be seating, planters, water features, statues, all contributing to a space that is both functional and attractive.

Removing the Barclays’ Bank Building will open up a space that will showcase two of Fishguards’ most attractive buildings, the Royal Oak and St Mary’s Church. In doing so we will also open a view of the sea from the Town Centre which will increase the town’s overall attractiveness.

This project will remind residents and tourists that Fishguard is a popular seaside destination, that we are famous for our New Year’s Celebration and will increase its overall appeal. There are countless potential stakeholder community groups that could benefit from this project. Some of those identified include:. The Round Table and Ladies Circle would also benefit from a central space where they could hold events throughout the year. Fishguard also hosts Aberjazz and the Folk Festival, both would be able to utilise this space for outdoor performances.

 Fishguard and surrounding area is also rich in talented people who create various forms of arts and crafts, artisan foods and homegrown produce in small businesses and start ups. A monthly market could be established using the space as well as the Christmas market running for the month of December. The weekly Farmers Market would also be invited to utilise the space. Further trading and commercial opportunities could also benefit from and utilise the space. This would bring people to Fishguard and Goodwick to shop, or to dine in one of the many eateries.

It will be a versatile space that can house moveable street furniture encouraging people to sit and watch the world go by. At the back of the proposed Sgwâr Jemeima/Jemima Square, a garden bed with wildflowers can be planted to bring civic pride and soft landscaping back into the Town Centre, as well as encouraging native species. Furthermore, a statue of our famous National Heroine Jemima Nicholas can be erected on the site. A location that is next to the Iconic pub where the treaty was signed: The Royal Oak, and next to the church where she is buried. This statue would be a symbol for Wales that is recognised across the country. A person of Welsh heritage on display. This would help tie together the missing pieces that make Fishguard and Goodwick unique and help to publicly thread the story together for visitors and residents alike through visual representation in the town centre. Much like what was threaded together in the making of our Tapestry.

Once this space is complete it will serve as a tourist attraction that showcases local history. It can be utilised on a weekly basis in the summer by the Fishguard Farmers Market that sells local produce and handicrafts. This space will be utilised by countless community groups, festivals, tourists and residents and businesses for years to come and will be a scenic asset to the area. It will attract more arts and those events will grow. This arts, history and business approach will help to encourage visitation, relocation and potentially the opening of boutique shops in the local high street, increasing the footfall on existing businesses.

This project successfully funded on 28th June 2021