Maritime centre boost
PLANS to transform Porthcawl have moved a step forward thanks to a multi-million pound boost in funding. The Porthcawl Maritime Centre will form the first phase of a huge redevelopment of the area.
PLANS to transform a Welsh seaside town have moved a step forward thanks to a multi-million pound boost in funding.
The Porthcawl Maritime Centre could create 55 jobs and will form the first phase of a huge redevelopment of the area.
The idea is to transform Porthcawl into an area that will attract new visitors and is part of the Welsh Government’s Tourism Attractor Destination programme to create 11 must-visit destinations across Wales.
It is hoped the centre will be built on Cosy Corner next to the Jennings Building and between the RNLI station and marina and will include a health and wellbeing centre, 17m internal pool, a Waverider, offer an education programme and act as the Centre for Surfing Excel- lence – the headquarters for the National Governing Body of Surfing in Wales.
Julie James, Minister for Skills and Science, said £2.1m in EU funding has been granted for the centre which will also be backed by money from the Big Lottery, the Welsh Government and private and third sector funds.
Ms James said: “The coast is the county’s unique selling point and the reason why most visitors come to the area.
“But to attract more visitors to the area we need to provide more exemplary facilities and services for residents and visitors. Porthcawl Maritime Centre will fulfil this need by providing an exciting and innovative ‘year round’ family centred attraction right on the waterfront.
“Our aim through the Tourism Attractor Destination programme is to focus efforts and investment on key projects in each region so we have a real impact on Wales’ profile in this globally competitive market.
“The Seaquest Coastal Science and Discovery Centre is a very exciting project which will inspire young people to engage with science and consider careers in science.
“Congratulations to everybody who has been involved in bringing the project to this point and I wish you all the very best for the delivery phase.”
Mike Clarke, chairman of Porthcawl Harbourside Community Interest Company (CIC), said: “It is impossible to fully describe how excited and proud the Porthcawl Harbourside CIC team are to receive the go-ahead for this project. This huge vote of confidence in our team and in the community of Porthcawl is tremendous.
“We believe this is pos- sibly the biggest community-conceived and led tourism project in the UK, and we are now able to tender for the construction and get started.”
Construction on the Porthcawl Maritime Centre is expected to begin later this year.
Over the next five years, the Tourism Attractor Destinations programme will see more than £85m of EU, Welsh Government, Private and Charitable funds invested in tourism projects across Wales.