The initial stages of Porthcawl's seafront regeneration could commence by March 2027, a new report from the local authority says.
This update was revealed during a recent scrutiny session where members were updated on the long-term plans for the seaside town, including developments in the Salt Lake, Coney Beach, and Sandy Bay areas.
These proposals could potentially lead to the construction of approximately 1,100 new homes along Porthcawl's seafront, as well as the establishment of various shops, cafés, restaurants, and other leisure attractions.
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The plans were discussed following a public consultation on the town's waterfront masterplan in February 2025, which elicited a mix of positive responses and concerns.
Positive feedback centred on the amount of open space and distribution of play facilities within the plans, along with support for a continuous promenade to enhance walkability, improved beach access, and the modernisation of flood defences.
However, concerns were also raised, particularly regarding the number of proposed homes and fears about a loss of public parking spaces, while respondents said tourism must be able to continue throughout the regeneration phases.
The report also outlined a potential timeline for the plans, with a final planning application expected to be submitted by January 2026 and a decision anticipated by June of the same year.
Following approval, demolition of the funfair site could commence between November 2026 and March 2027, with construction of the waterfront development's initial phase beginning from March 2027.
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The documents also spotlighted several regeneration projects already delivered in the town during recent years, including the Porthcawl Metro link, Cosy Corner development, and Eastern Promenade improvements.
After questions and discussion from attending members, Cllr Richard Collins of Maesteg West expressed his enthusiasm for the proposals' potential, describing them as possibly one of Wales' largest regeneration schemes of this nature.
The scrutiny meeting took place on July 14, just days following the announcement that the town's beloved fairground at Coney Beach would shut this year, leaving many residents feeling "devastated".