Investment in parking at harbour
MORE investment is being ploughed into enhanced car parking facilities at Burry Port Harbour.
Carmarthenshire Council are behind the move which will see underused land transformed into an additional accessible parking zone with around 100 plus spaces on the east side of the harbour, with existing surfaces and spaces also upgraded.
Disabled parking bays will be given prime location with panoramic views and there will be charging facilities for E-bikes which will enhance cycling and environmental provision.
Motorhomes will also have access to some bays during the day, around the harbour area, with plans and funding bids for a bespoke developments along the wider coastline also in the pipeline.
The car park will have a new sustainable drainage system with upgraded surface dressing which will enable all year around usage.
The project is jointly funded by the council and Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basic scheme.
Carmarthenshire Council head of leisure Ian Jones said: “Currently the surface area of the car park to the east of the harbour is loose gravel that is easily potholed and flooded regularly, so this improvement will offer a more modern, sustainable and attractive car park for our visitors to enjoy.
“It will also complement the existing car parks in the harbour and along the Carmarthenshire coastline.”
It is the latest in a long line of investments totalling £2m by the council to maintain and restore the historic harbour and one of the county’s most loved and well visited beauty spots.
Restoration of the Grade II listed harbour walls has been undertaken and completed under the guidance of Cadw.
It will add to investment made over previous years which saw the council invest in new pontoons, along with maintenance and upgrades to the harbour railings and bridge.
A local operator has taken over the lease and opened a cafe and public toilets on the east side of harbour, and the refurbishment of the old RNLI harbour office has started by The Marine Group (TMG) to create a harbour-side coffee house.
New pay and display facilities have been installed to support parking control ahead of a wider multi-million regeneration plan that will transform the harbour with a mix of housing, commercial and leisure space covering around 13 acres of prime development site.
Welsh Government Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “We are very aware of the important part that local tourism amenities have on someone’s overall experience when on a day trip or on holiday.
“These facilities often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit Wales, while also benefit those who live in the area.
“The £2.9m in new funding for the Brilliant Basics fund will go to projects which will help us make our destinations more accessible and more sustainable, and to grow tourism for the good of Wales.”