New flood funding for Porthcawl beach announced

The existing sea defences were constructed in 1984 and a recent inspection found the structure to be in a deteriorating condition and coming to the end of its viable life.  

The current defences protect several million pounds worth of homes and commercial properties along the Esplanade, including the Grand Pavilion. When complete, the strengthened defences will reduce the risk of flooding and erosion from the sea to 260 properties.

The £2,299,146 announced today will enable works to be carried to improve the defences, which will include:

• the partial demolition of the existing structure;
• replacement of the existing asphalt with a new terraced structure which will be surfaced  in a sand colour in line with the responses from the public consultation.

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“I am pleased to be able to provide this vital funding to strengthen sea defences in Porthcawl, which will provide reassurance to those who live and work in, or visit this popular tourist destination.

“We have invested unprecedented levels of funding in recent years and over the lifetime of this Government we will be investing over £144million capital funding in flood and coastal erosion risk management schemes around Wales.”

Councillor Richard Young, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: 

“This significant investment from the Welsh Assembly is excellent news for Porthcawl, and will enable Bridgend County Borough Council to continue to protect the town centre and seafront area from flooding while also offering a more visually pleasing ‘terraced’ design for the sea defences. 

“The contract for the work is currently being finalised, and I am looking forward to being able to reveal more details about the project very soon.”