**Porthcawl Faces Bold New Era as Council Reveals Major Regeneration Plans – But Local Sentiment Remains Divided**
Plans to transform Porthcawl’s seafront have been revealed by Bridgend County Borough Council, with proposals set to dramatically alter the face of the beloved South Wales seaside town. While council leaders champion the prospects for new homes, businesses and leisure spaces, some long-time visitors and residents fear the heart of Porthcawl is at risk.
At the heart of the regeneration scheme are ambitious plans for the Salt Lake, Coney Beach and Sandy Bay areas. According to the latest council report, the first phase of development could be underway as soon as March 2027, a timeline that closely follows the imminent closure of the Coney Beach Pleasure Park—often referred to as Coney Island. The funfair, a cherished landmark for generations, is set to close its doors at the end of this summer, marking the end of an era for many.
Key elements of the council’s regeneration vision include the construction of around 1,100 new homes and the creation of modern retail, hospitality and leisure facilities. The plans also promise improved beach access, enhanced flood defences, and the development of a continuous promenade designed to revitalise walking and cycling along the seafront. Officials hope these changes will secure Porthcawl’s position as an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.
However, the public response has been mixed. Feedback gathered during an extensive consultation in February 2025 highlights a spectrum of opinions. Some welcomed the commitment to improving public spaces and infrastructure, while others expressed dismay at the loss of long-standing attractions and the scale of new development. Common concerns include the risk of Porthcawl losing its unique character, issues around parking provision, and what some see as the prioritisation of housing at the expense of tourism.
A number of popular regeneration projects have already been implemented, including the launch of the Porthcawl Metro link, the completion of the Cosy Corner development, and upgrades to the Eastern Promenade. Councillor Richard Collins of Maesteg West described the seafront scheme as “one of the largest of its kind in Wales”, signalling the council’s hopes of transforming the town for future generations.
But for many, the loss of Coney Beach is a step too far. Some visitors, such as Taff Muzylowski from Hereford, say the family will not return once the fairground closes. “We visit often, but I can’t see us coming again without it,” he said, echoing the views of others who plan to take their custom to other family-friendly resorts like Barry Island.
Amid these concerns, debate is heating up over the prospects for tourism. Where some see regeneration as a vital step forward, others are more sceptical. Residents voiced their worries about increased congestion as traditional car parks make way for new housing and about whether enough thought has been given to the role of tourism in Porthcawl’s identity.
Many, like Yvonne Traylor, have fond memories of caravan holidays and funfair rides, expressing concern that the changes will erase the town’s unique charm. Others, such as Bernadette Carrick, argue that the seaside resort will endure, suggesting pop-up fairs could fill the gap during summer months. Yet there is no shortage of critics convinced that replacing attractions with flats will undermine the holiday trade and damage the local economy.
The council remains optimistic, citing completed projects and the anticipated economic boost from the regeneration. A final planning application is expected by January 2026, with a decision likely by the following summer. If approval is granted, demolition of the fairground could commence in late 2026, heralding the start of construction work that would reshape the coastline.
As Bridgend looks to the future, the conversation shows no signs of abating. With strong feelings on both sides, questions remain about how best to balance the needs of residents, visitors, and the wider community. The coming years will prove crucial in determining whether Porthcawl’s ambitious plans can reconcile tradition with transformation and ensure its seaside sparkle endures.