Plans floated for maritime centre

Plans for a new £7m development on Porthcawl’s harbourside, including new water sports, education and research, and cultural facilities, have been submitted.Porthcawl Harbourside Community Interest Company, via agent John Matthews Planning & Development Consultancy, has submitted an application for Porthcawl Maritime Centre.The site is in the town’s conservation area and is close to the recently developed marina, Porthcawl Lifeboat Station and the grade II-listed Jennings building.The new centre would provide internal and external sea and water sports facilities, a Wave Rider surf machine and training pool, and new headquarters for the National Governing Body of Surfing in Wales.A Coast Life Centre, providing education and research space, would be developed in partnership with Swansea University.The scheme also includes a gallery, amphitheatre and outdoor performance space, conference facilities, business pods and accommodation.Alongside the facilities, the building is designed to be a landmark in the town, create jobs and boost the area’s economy.Porthcawl Harbourside CIC was initially formed through a partnership between the Welsh Surfing Federation and Porthcawl Sea Cadets, joined by a number of other stakeholders.