Porthcawl Masterplan

The Challenge

Bridgend County Borough Council and the Welsh Government own a strategic brownfield site in an outstanding waterfront location that is allocated for up to 1,100 new homes, education provision and commercial space.  A Masterplan and Design Code was required to demonstrate how these uses could be delivered while also delivering outstanding placemaking outcomes and creating opportunities for community.  

Our Role

We led the design team and worked closely with the joint client team to prepare the Masterplan and Design Code which set an authentic and ambitious vision for Porthcawl Waterfront.  We collaborated closely with Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios and Hydrock (now Stanetc) to prepare the Masterplan and Design Code, harnessed the strategic development viability and cost advice from Savills and Blake Morgan, and engaging the local community with Grasshopper Communications.  

The Outcome

The Masterplan that we have prepared accommodates up to 1,100 new homes and demonstrates how these homes can be delivered as part of an outstanding Waterfront that will be a truly authentic place to live and a destination to visit.  A key approach of the Masterplan is to embrace the unique character of the local area, including a heritage harbour, extensive green park and a remarkable sand dune landscape.  Visual connectivity to the coast also feature strongly with panoramic bay views but also rich glimpses from from intimate streets.  The home provided in the Masterplan are a mix of apartments and individual homes and 50% are affordable, providing opportunities for first time homes, older persons accommodation and shared ownership. A large area of land is safeguarded for future education use and space is include for community uses.  A strong commercial offer is also proposed, with space for a new hotel to serve the town, and new eateries and specialised retail that builds on the existing offer provided by the vibrant local business community.  The public realm will also provide meanwhile uses and seasonal events that will create year round interest and continue to draw visitors to the town.  

As part of the Masterplan over 20ha of public space is provided, including three new park areas, in urban, green and sandy settings, creating space for play and health and wellbeing.  Active Travel has been integrated to the Masterplan with a new continuous promenade and enhanced links between the town centre and  Waterfront.  The Design Code that we are now working on will provide design guidance to support the Masterplan, setting high design standards to ensure the placemaking potential of the Masterplan is delivered by development partners.