UPDATES have been released on plans for part of the large scale redevelopment of Porthcawl’s seafront area.
The development, which has been at the centre of much debate in the town over the last few years, has seen proposals put forward by the council that residents say could change the face of the town as they know it.
This major regeneration scheme would include a number of alterations to the town, as well the creation of about 900 new homes, a school, and a road system through Griffin Park, as well as commercial and leisure opportunities.
It will also see the closure of the town’s Coney Beach Pleasure Park, with the land earmarked as part of the development.
The latest of the proposals released this month focus on the waterfront area of Porthcawl, which covers 32 hectares of open space around Salt Lake, Hillsboro, Griffin Park, Coney Beach, and Sandy Bay – though Bridgend Council cabinet members have said they are “illustrative and dependent upon the availability of future funding”.
If given the go-ahead, they could see the creation of a 200m-long seafront park that runs the length of Salt Lake adjacent to the eastern esplanade. This would feature a mix of green areas which people could use to walk, exercise, or use as a picnic area.
A children’s play area with water features has also been proposed, along with a commercial unit for selling refreshments and an outdoor space for events such as fairs and marquees.
A public plaza is planned for the top end of Salt Lake, opposite the marina, which features planting, seating and all-weather shelters, with an extension to Dock Street used for a pedestrian and cycle link between the town centre and the eastern promenade.
At Sandy Bay west, plans say Griffin Park would be doubled in size with new facilities such as an outdoor climbing wall and multi-use games area, with the tennis courts relocated to make way for a new road system.
Nearby, the site known locally as the Monster Park will be used to extend Griffin Park and create a green corridor to link up with the seafront area.
There would also be a new promenade planned for Coney Beach as part of the council’s ongoing flood defence scheme. Land at the lower end of Hillsboro near the Harlequin building would become the site of a new small park, with separate plans for a multi-storey car parking facility to replace the Hillsboro open air car park.
Councillor Rhys Goode of Nantymoel said: “While these proposals are illustrative and dependent upon the availability of future funding sources, they reflect both the council’s long-term ambitions for Porthcawl and our desire to work closely alongside local people as we seek to deliver a regeneration that is effective, realistic and sustainable.
“In preparing these concept designs, we have gathered feedback and taken views from residents and visitors alike. This has included a great deal of consultation with people of all ages and backgrounds, including school children and local groups and organisations, in order to gather as many insights as possible.”
Brian Jones is a town councillor for Porthcawl and said there were still a lot of issues that needed to be addressed.
He said: “There are some good parts of the plan, for example the park at Salt Lake with the water attractions, as well as the plans to maintain trees in the Monster Park as a green corridor.
“That being said there are not enough details given within them at the moment for people to properly scrutinise and decide if they like the ideas or not, so more information will definitely have to come forward.
“There are also long-term questions which have still not been addressed, such as how to deal with the major parking pressures in the town, as well as the impact the creation of a new road system would have.”
