This is how civic leaders envisage part of Porthcawl looking in future, with a brand new hotel and leisure facilities proposed. Developers are being invited by Bridgend County Borough Council to submit proposals for how land opposite Porthcawl Marina, at the southern end of Salt lake, could be used in future as a space both visitors and residents would be able to enjoy.
The site covers about 2.1 acres, and is in a prime seafront location offering panoramic views over Coney Beach and Sandy Bay as well as the popular waterfront area where the iconic western breakwater and Porthcawl lighthouse are located. For the latest Bridgend news, sign up to our newsletter here.
With a newly developed Aldi food store already located at the northern end of Salt Lake and a nearby Metro transport link nearing completion, the remainder of the Salt Lake site has been designated for mixed residential and tourism use, and includes plans for a 200 metre-long ‘seaside park’, which would run adjacent to the eastern promenade.
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And, as previous studies have identified a need for additional high-quality accommodation within the town that would enable Porthcawl to support further large scale events along similar lines to the Women’s Open or the Elvis Festival, the council has suggested that a luxury spa hotel be developed at the southern end of Salt Lake to satisfy this need while also offering new leisure facilities.
As a visitor destination, Porthcawl receives more than 900,000 visits a year from holidaymakers and day-trippers who jointly contribute more than £80m towards the local economy, and it seems to have been enjoying a continued tidal wave of popularity since the pandemic that shows no signs of stopping.
Councillor Rhys Goode, cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “As a council, we remain extremely ambitious for our local towns, and I am looking forward to seeing what hotel and leisure-based ideas we receive for how this prime development location could be used to benefit Porthcawl.
“It will certainly be interesting to see what proposals are put forward by developers, and to hear the opinions of residents, businesses and visitors when we carry out further consultation later in the process. Ultimately, we want whatever is developed on this part of Salt Lake to form another key part of the wider regeneration, to act as a catalyst for further phases of positive development and investment, and to support the long-term future of Porthcawl as outlined within our Placemaking Strategy and Local Development Plan.”
Once expressions of interest in the site have been received, a development brief will be prepared along with a report to cabinet, and further details will be publicised.
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