New look for Tarmac beach
ARTISTS’ impressions have been released of how the new sea defence which will replace Porthcawl’s infamous Tarmac beach will look.
THIS is what the new sea defence which is set to replace Porthcawl’s infamous Tarmac beach looks like.
The terraced, sandcoloured structure is being constructed in a £3m project that will protect seafront buildings and streets from storm surges for years to come.
Bridgend council issued the artist’s impression on Tuesday as a public information session got under way at the Grand Pavilion on the town’s Esplanade.
The Tarmac beach, also known as the town beach and concrete beach, was installed as a sea defence in 1984 to protect 260 homes and businesses. Upgraded in 2005, it has now come to the end of its viable life.
Contractors are already on the beach and the lower promenade has now been closed as work begins.
The Welsh Government has contributed £2.2m to the project, while Bridgend council will pay the difference for the scheme, which will cost a total of £3,065,528.
Bridgend council’s cabinet member for communities, Richard Young, said: “The town beach is going to become an increasingly busy site over the next few months and residents and visitors can expect to see the excavation of the existing beach area, repairs and surfacing work on the access ramps, the installation of all-new concrete terraces, repointing and repairs to the existing sea wall, the construction of protective ‘rock armour’, and more.
“Every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience while the work is under way and the project will also deliver additional benefits, including new jobs and training opportunities, as well as support for local businesses.”