Rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits in Porthcawl over the weekend, as people took a chance to explore the town's nearly-completed esplanade. There have been multiple masterplans and visions for the seaside town's regeneration which are now starting to materialise.
The Eastern Promenade works, that are due to be completed this summer, form a link between the marina area with the eastern beaches, and it is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. It is in addition to the transformation of the town's landmark concrete beach, which was originally built in 1984 to reduce the energy of waves that frequently over topped the seawall and to prevent erosion of the coastline.
The £3m project has included the excavation of the existing beach area, repairs and surfacing work on the access ramps, the installation of all-new concrete terraces and new protective "rock armour". It had been claimed that if the work hadn't done the sea would take over, and the existing promenade would be in danger.
Read more: Work to transform neglected corner of Porthcawl seafront set to begin
There are also plans for a seafront park on land Bridgend council had initially earmarked for housing. The council said a public consultation found people wanted to see more green, open space included in plans for the area. It has now reduced the amount of land it will turn into housing at the Salt Lake development by a third. Read more about that here.
Further consultations are currently taking place as options are explored for both the residential and leisure elements of the plans as well as a new multi-storey car park.
Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Neelo Farr, said: "We want to continue to work closely alongside our partners and local residents to deliver this for the benefit of the entire community, I hope that people will study the plans and make full use of this opportunity to have their say on the proposals."
Among the regeneration plans for Porthcawl are an all-new food store and new Porthcawl Terminus which will be developed as part of the South East Wales Metro Plus initiative which is intended to enhance public transport links with Pyle train station and the wider South Wales Metro network, the Metrolink will also seek to improve public transport frequency and accessibility both into and out of Porthcawl.
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