June 23rd 2025
PORTHCAWL CHAMBER OF TRADE comments, contributions and ideas for future funding / transforming towns grants. Notes from Hi Tide meeting May 22nd 2015 and AGM June 10th 2025.
(FAO Jacob Lawrence, BCBC Principal Planning Officer, Cllr leader John Spanswick, Cllr Neelo Farr, Chris Elmore MP, Sarah Murphy MS)
IS IT TIME FOR REGENERATION OF PORTHCAWL TOWN CENTRE NOW?
Traders in Porthcawl are saying that the high street retail environment continues to be challenging. The cost-of-living crisis, out-of-town shopping and with a third of non-food items sales going online has meant a slowing down of sales.
We know too that large online sales platforms are full of companies avoiding paying their fair share of tax.They use loopholes in the law to shift their money around in order to pay a lower rate of tax. It is essentially a way to avoid paying money into the public purse, depriving our public services. Also, online businesses don’t pay any business rates, small high street businesses do. How can this be fair?
Current general concerns expressed include:
- John Street image is old and tired, with not enough going on.
- Access into town, with weak Transport links, concerns over car parking and no signage from seafront into town centre.
- Overall, that there seems to be a perceived disconnect between the seafront development and the current town centre and the very urgent need for renewal. Shop traders feel they are being left behind.
- We feel it’s time for ‘regeneration’ here. One that builds on the past and embraces the modern, the need for ecological sustainability, creates community activity and well-being, and a vibrant local economy.
Town Centre:
(We are pleased that the bandstand has been recently renovated and there is some now some summer planting.)
How can we make the town centre a welcome community and retail centre between 7pm and 11pm? Should we, could we?
In what ways can we enhance the welcoming experience of the town centre? (there are many pavers and side drainage channels which are uneven, broken and even cemented over). Large delivery lorries were mentioned as a part of the problem. Could they be excluded from John Street and asked to park in a car park and convey goods on trolleys?
Christmas and also summer lighting important.
Some tree cover and permanent planting would improve the image as well reduce air pollution, help people keep cooler in summer or provide them with shelter in winter. There were trees planted in the walkways between John St and Mary Street in the past, could these be reinstated?
In general, the Town Centre needs a new ‘cooler’ youthful image – street art, bold colours, planting.
How could we develop a downstairs accessible community hub?
A hot-desking venue/wifi hub/coffee. Not only shops!
Who owns the buildings?:
A number of shop fronts could do with a make-over – a refresh. Vibrant painting which lifted out the character especially above shop-window level would look good.
Public art plans for connecting new development with Porthcawl’s heritage, way-finding into John Street. (200thanniversary events).
The Spar – which held the first cinema. The balcony above the door is where speeches were made after the elections. Our heritage and character needs highlighting, our identity defining.
Access/Travel:
Mentions of current concern included new plans for a motor-way service station at South Cornelly petrol station, junction 37 possibility of inclusion of drive-through Greggs, McDonald’s, and Starbucks near Pyle. Drawing people to by-pass Porthcawl, reducing its potential to become a destination in its own right.
Edge of town Park-and-ride, Car-share options were suggested. Maps/signage for Park and Stride routes, linked in with clear marked active travel routes.
Porthcawl has huge potential as a place for destination. It remains concerning that over the years more thought has not gone into advancing this.
With the need for all of us to adjust our lifestyles in response to the climate and ecological imperatives. Why hasn’t Porthcawl had a rail link reinstated? Bringing tourists and commuters. It would surely have developed our economy in the Bridgend Borough.
If we want to discourage car use, how can we encourage people to travel back and for from the Valleys, Port Talbot, Swansea or Cardiff without reliable regular bus services?
Toilets:
People are bemused and concerned that the new bus station has no toilet facilties! Also, we have lost the one downstairs from the Grand Pavilion, will they reopen when the refurbishment is finished? That toilets are locked at night-time. Hearing about the vandalization of toilets, comments included the lack of a police presence nowadays.
Other Ideas:
The Green Top market should be reinstated into John Street, most traders would welcome that. The current location – Dockstreet area, outside the Pantribox does not advantage the town’s shops. (I have heard this from some of those stallholders too)
Festivals not just Elvis. Like the SeaScape. RescueFest, but activity has to include John Street. James Street, has potential for lots of pop-up weekend events – lorries do not deliver on Saturdays.
Could we ask the large /national organisations to ask staff to lead a town centre event each year, rather like the Museum does. They plan it, town shops get involved e.g. organisations like the Principality, Spec Savers, Coop, Spar, Maple?
Artists in residence scheme – consider welcoming each year to create a series of works or activities. Or create a Pop-Up Event Space for 4-6 weeks.
Could Porthcawl get accredited visitor status from Visit Wales?
How could we make Porthcawl more welcoming for the different ages, particularly young people with age-appropriate experiences?
Reclaim land: for teenage recreation, or a play area for children (top of Hillsboro/James Street walkway.)
(Notes above drafted on behalf of members of the Porthcawl Chamber of Trade)
Margaret Minhinnick
(Acting President Porthcawl Chamber of Trade)
