‘World-class’ development proposed for Mumbles
DETAILED plans to turn the foreshore and headland at Mumbles Pier into a “world-class attraction” have been submitted.
A headland building would be set within the former limestone quarry and rise up to five storeys, comprising 31 hotel rooms and 11 serviced holiday apartments.
A total of 26 flats would be built on the foreshore between the pier and Mumbles Amateur Rowing Club.
The flats would have undercroft parking, while hotel and apartment guests would use the clifftop car park where the Big Apple kiosk is.
In addition, the pavilion near the pier entrance would be enlarged to provide a first-floor function room and walkway to the headland building, with the ground floor remaining as a cafe and amusements.
And the £35m scheme would result in an extended seawall, a new boardwalk between the pier and Knab Rock, new sculptures and a 61-space car park.
Pier-owning firm Ameco, which is behind the application, is also due to spend £2m restoring the 120-year-old pier. Restoration work is due to begin next month.
Bert Bollom, operations director at Mumbles Pier, said he wanted to create a “world-class” attraction, and added that support had come from many quarters.
He said: “Throughout the long consultation and planning process we have been careful to take the views of local people into account and to offer a final plan that takes on board any concerns.”
The headland and foreshore proposals have been a talking point in Mumbles since 2010, when Swansea councillors approved outline plans to redevelop the landmark area.
The foreshore flats, seawall and boardwalk would be in a more seaward position than first envisaged after a dispute over the valuation of the Swansea Council-owned cliff face.
Objectors worry about the scale of the development and its impact on views across to the lighthouse and Grade II-listed pier.
One of the objectors, John Powell, claimed at a meeting in March that the more recent foreshore proposals “drove a coach and horses” through earlier ones, but Swansea Council’s planning committee has allowed some flexibility into the scheme.
The new application focuses on the scheme’s appearance, scale, layout, landscaping and design.
There has been some concern about the headland building, but the latest design is one storey lower than the earlier one and clifftop access would no longer be required.
A statement submitted as part of Ameco’s application said the profile of Mumbles Head was instantly recognisable and iconic, although “largely shaped and manipulated by quarrying”. It added that the layered design of the headland building would create a “village” look.
Mumbles resident Rachel Fender, who is the manager of Cheers Wine Merchants, said she felt change should generally be embraced.
Referring to the latest plans, she said: “The pier is quite iconic and we should make sure it’s refurbished. And we do rely on tourism to provide us with income.
“New things are happening in Mumbles and it’s a better place to be – but you are not going to please everyone.”