(Image: Bridgend County Borough Council)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A car park in Porthcawl is set to close on 20 March 2026 to make way for a new public space as part of the seaside town’s ongoing waterfront regeneration.
What’s happening
Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed the existing car park will shut to allow construction of a high-quality community space designed to support events, businesses and better connections between the town centre and the Metrolink.
The larger Hillsboro North car park nearby will remain open as normal for residents and visitors.
What the new space will include
The development will feature pop-up business units, a flexible public area for hosting events and activities, informal play features and wildflower planting. Historic rail features will also be reinstated to celebrate the site’s heritage.
Active travel improvements form part of the plans too, including better links to the Metrolink and town centre, a new toucan pedestrian crossing and a new route connecting Dock Street with the town centre.
Part of a bigger picture
The scheme is the latest phase in wider regeneration efforts that have already brought significant changes to the town – including the closure of the iconic Coney Beach Amusement Park. Some earlier regeneration plans were scaled back following pressure from residents, and the town has also faced setbacks with other projects such as the failed Maritime Centre.
Porthcawl is, however, one of several Welsh towns benefiting from a multi-million-pound pledge to revive town centres.
What the council says
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said: “The work is intended to create a more welcoming, accessible and environmentally sustainable gateway into Porthcawl town centre and the high-quality nature of this work will offer a visible snapshot into what we are trying to achieve with the wider waterfront regeneration scheme.”
Cllr Farr added: “This represents an exciting opportunity that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors and it’s pleasing to that the town’s railway heritage is reflected in the plans, while also offering flexibility to use the public space for a variety of events and business opportunities.”
