Bridgend County Borough Council has announced plans to introduce a range of temporary leisure spaces at Coney Beach, Porthcawl, as part of a wider regeneration of the area.
The interim facilities, which could include padel courts, crazy golf, surf lessons and street food stalls, are set to appear on the seafront from next summer. The move is designed to keep the seafront "open, bustling and welcoming" while longer-term regeneration plans are carried out.
Local businesses invited to register interest
The council has invited local businesses to register their interest in running pop-ups and temporary leisure spaces. It said this could give them an opportunity to establish themselves, with the potential for some to move into permanent spaces as the wider development takes shape.
A council spokesperson said: "Bridgend County Borough Council is looking at opportunities to introduce a mix of interim leisure facilities and family attractions, including children’s play areas, with the potential for the offering to change from season to season, giving people a reason to keep returning."
Timeline and wider masterplan
The site is expected to be cleared by the end of March, paving the way for the first new uses to open, subject to the relevant planning requirements.
The contentious plans for the development of the Porthcawl seafront have been discussed for a number of years and are set to be decided on by the council's planning committee in December. The overall scheme covers an area of 43.6 hectares, including sites such as the former Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Monster Park, Griffin Park, and the Hillsboro car park.
If approved, the council will allow developers to build up to 980 new homes alongside a new lido swimming pool, gym, shops, and coastal defence works, with the creation of green spaces and a new spine road from the Eastern Promenade to Sandy Bay.
Next steps for operators
The council added: "The council is inviting businesses that could help bring these ideas to life to register their interest, including mobile food and drink businesses, sports and leisure providers, and those interested in operating from mobile units or containers."
No operators have yet been selected, with the final mix of uses to depend on the level of interest, how the proposals develop and any relevant planning requirements. Preparatory work is currently underway at the site under existing permissions and consents, and this work is separate from the planning decision on the wider Porthcawl Waterfront masterplan, which remains under consideration.
Businesses interested in being involved can find out more and register their interest by contacting Sandybay@bridgend.gov.uk.
