Funding boost for seaside town

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 Excellence.

Julie James, Minister for Skills and Science, said £2.1 million 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.

Construction on the Maritime Centre is expected to begin later this year.

Over the next five years, the Tourism Attractor Destinations programme will see more than £85 million of EU, Welsh Government, Private and Charitable funds invested in tourism projects across Wales.