Consultation set to launch on £18m redevelopment plans for Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion

Lewis Smith, local democracy reporter

Public consultations have begun this month on the proposed £18m redevelopment of Porthcawl’s iconic Grand Pavilion.

It comes after Bridgend County Borough Council was granted the funding to redevelop the popular Grade II-listed building, from the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme.

The funding could see the development of new facilities at the pavilion, including function spaces on the Esplanade level, along with new rooftop function and café spaces.

There would also be a new studio theatre, business incubation or workshop spaces at the street level, and increased welfare facilities, including a changing places facility, if given the go-ahead by council bosses.

Residents are now being asked to have their final say on the plans this month, before they are submitted to the local planning authority for formal planning permission to be considered.

Once-in-a-generation opportunity

A council spokesperson said: “The redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard this iconic building for many years to come and ensure it retains its position as a flagship regional arts and cultural venue of choice.

“The pre-application consultation is an integral part of the work and, during the design development of the project, a broad schedule of engagement with statutory and non-statutory bodies, specialist advisors, community groups and the public has been undertaken to create a scheme informed by wide-ranging feedback.”

Councillor Rhys Goode added: “The final plans for the Grand Pavilion are almost complete. We have done our utmost to ensure that as many public views as possible have been considered and incorporated into these designs.

“We know how much this building means to both local people and visitors, and that is why we have encouraged your feedback in every step of this process.”

The Grand Pavilion project comes amid separate council proposals for major development of the Porthcawl seafront area in the coming years, which includes plans for 900 new homes, a school and road system, along with retail, commercial, and leisure opportunities.

It has been met with a mixed response from locals, who have concerns over the planned closure of the Coney Beach Amusement Park as part of the proposals, along with alterations to Griffin Park.

The final proposals for Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion can be viewed at the Awen Cultural Trust’s website and all feedback must be submitted by Tuesday, October 31.