Demolition of seaside funfair could start in 2026

The demolition of a seaside attraction in Porthcawl could start as early as November 2026, according to the local authority.

Plans to tear down Coney Beach Amusement Park to make place for a new waterfront development could take place between November 2026 and March 2027, it was revealed in a Bridgend council scrutiny meeting.

It comes just days after the announcement that the iconic funfair would close in October this year after more than 100 years, with many locals "devastated" by the news.

The proposal - by Bridgend council and the Welsh government - plans to see the development of around 1,100 new homes along Porthcawl's seafront, including a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants.

A potential timeline for the plans was revealed in the meeting on 14 July, with a final planning application expected to be handed in by January 2026, and a decision made by the following June, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Following approval of the application and the demolition of the funfair, the construction of the first phase of the waterfront development could then start from March 2027.

The plans, which could be one of the biggest regeneration schemes of its kind in Wales, will see developments in the Salt Lake, Coney Beach, and Sandy Bay areas.

A consultation was initially held in February, and its closure has sparked mixed opinions from both council members and residents in the area, with the owners of the park describing it as "the end of an era".

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Richard Collins of Maesteg West said he felt excited by the potential of the redevelopment.

Some members praised the amount of open space and distribution of play facilities within the plans.

There was also support for a continuous promenade to enhance walkability, improved beach access, and the modernising of flood defences.

But concerns were raised over the number of homes proposed, along with fears about a loss of public parking spaces and the impact it may have on tourism throughout the construction process.