Decision day for £5.5m maritime centre project
PLANS for a £5.5m maritime centre in Porthcawl with a coastal science and discovery centre, a cafe, wine bar, roof terrace and micro brewery will go before councillors tomorrow for approval.
The complex to be built on the town’s Cosy Corner by the Esplanade has changed from a bigger, more expensive version that received planning permission in 2016.
The original version involved a £7m project with a curved building and a large amount of glass which resulted in the project going above European funding spend cap requirements.
The new development plans – submitted by Credu Charity Ltd – are dependent on European and Big Lottery funding.
Officers say permission is a vital step in being able to secure the funding.
Under the plans the main building which is four to five storeys high would be around 37m in length and 18m in width.
It would incorporate a Sea Quest Coastal Science and Discovery Centre, conference facilities, a children’s creche, and a room for the Sea Cadets, as well as 12 rooms and two ‘pods’ as part of ‘lodging style’ accommodation for schools and youth groups. On the upper floors a restaurant, bar, kitchen and offices for the Harbour Master and a surf centre would be included.
The idea is to accommodate various community, non-profit organisations and commercial premises including a training pool, changing rooms, kiosks, gym, studio, main reception and offices.
The offices will accommodate the Welsh Surfing Federation, the Sea Cadets, the Harbour Master and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.
In a report going before councillors at tomorrow’s development control committee, officers state: “It is intended that the facility will establish the Harbourside as a prime destination for all-weather and year-round maritime activities whilst providing business, educational, cultural and health and well-being benefits to the south coast of Wales.”
The 0.36 hectare site which is within the Porthcawl Conservation Area is a sunken grassed area which is owned by Bridgend County Borough Council. It will be leased to the charity.
To the southern end of the site, the plans involve building a one-and-ahalf storey building, with an external performance area/amphitheatre seating area.
The buildings will house a microbrewery, cafe/bistro, a wine bar, a roof terrace, exhibition spaces and offices.
The performance space will have the option of being covered by a canopy for certain events or performances.
The plans also involve seeking consent for temporary buildings on the site such as an interim Sea Cadet facility, until they are eventually rehoused within the main building.
And there are plans for the siting of a memorial for the SS Samtampa maritime disaster of 1947 in which 47 people died.
The SS Samtampa ran aground at Sker Point, a headland in Bridgend county, on April 23, 1947, after attempting to sail through a force 11 gale.
Officers say a large number of residents have written in support of the scheme, mainly due to the community benefits it will provide.
The Porthcawl Civic Trust Society has also offered its “total support” for the “long awaited building”.
Some businesses nearby have objected on the grounds that it will obstruct their views, create car parking problems and increase traffic congestion.
Officers are recommending the plans for approval saying the scheme is “a vital component of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Area that will preserve the character and appearance of Porthcawl Conservation Area and the setting of the grade-two listed Jennings Building”.
Credu Charity Ltd has evolved out of the Harbourside Community Interest Company.