‘GAME CHANGER’: Council swoops to buy shopping centre amid fears over collapse risk

In a move being hailed as a potential “game changer”, Bridgend County Borough Council has bought the 2.27-acre site — raising hopes of major regeneration, new facilities and a fresh future for the heart of the town.

But the deal comes after serious concerns about the building’s condition, with dangerous RAAC concrete previously forcing the closure of the indoor market hall in 2023 — as reported in our earlier coverage.

From crisis to comeback?

For years, the future of the Rhiw has been hanging in the balance.

The discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) left parts of the ageing complex facing costly repairs — and sparked fears the entire site could eventually shut or be sold off in pieces.

Now, council bosses say they’ve stepped in just in time.

Leader Cllr John Spanswick revealed the authority had been working “behind the scenes” to secure the deal — preventing the centre from being broken up or falling into further decline.

“This has the potential to be a game changer for the future of Bridgend town centre,” he said.

What happens next?

Despite the dramatic takeover, shoppers won’t see immediate changes — with the Rhiw set to stay open while new plans are drawn up.

But behind the scenes, a major rethink is already underway.

The council says the site could eventually be transformed into a much broader destination, with the potential for a new market at its heart, alongside a mix of retail units, community facilities and modern public spaces. There is also the possibility of new accommodation being introduced, signalling a shift towards a more mixed-use town centre.

The scale of the opportunity is huge — and officials say it will require close collaboration with both public and private sector partners to turn those ambitions into reality.

Traders ‘will be supported’

Existing businesses have been told they won’t be left in the dark.

The council has pledged to consult traders on future plans and offer support throughout any redevelopment — a key concern given the uncertainty that has surrounded the site in recent years.

Cllr Neelo Farr said the purchase was an “invest to save” decision — warning the building was already nearing the end of its life.

“None of us are prepared to watch the structure fall into decline,” she said.

Bigger picture for Bridgend

The Rhiw deal is just one piece of a wider transformation taking place across Bridgend.

The town centre is already seeing significant investment, with major developments including a new Bridgend College campus at Cheapside, new housing and headquarters for Valleys to Coast in Dunraven Place, and a health and wellbeing centre preparing to open at Sunnyside.

Council leaders believe that bringing the Rhiw into public ownership — given its size and central location — could unlock even greater opportunities and help tie these projects together into a wider regeneration story.

Funded by public cash

The £5.37m purchase has been funded through a mix of sources, including £2.45 million from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund, £1.8 million from the council’s revenue budget, and just over £1 million from its capital programme.

Welsh Government minister Jayne Bryant welcomed the move, saying it could deliver “long-lasting improvements” and help revitalise the town centre.

A long road ahead

While the headlines promise transformation, the reality is this is just the beginning.

The council now faces the challenge of dealing with structural issues, reshaping the site — and convincing the public that Bridgend town centre can bounce back.

But after years of uncertainty, one thing is clear:

The future of the Rhiw is no longer out of the council’s hands.

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PORTHCAWL: New seafront funfair announced as town prepares for life after Coney Beach

The new funfair, which will feature family rides, a big wheel and food stalls, will be set up in time for Easter and remain in place throughout the summer season, Bridgend County Borough Council have said.

The announcement comes after the town’s historic Coney Beach amusement park closed permanently on 4 October 2025 after 107 years of operation as part of a major seafront regeneration project.

The Welsh Government, which bought the amusement park site in 2023, is working with Bridgend Council on a major redevelopment of the area, which has proved controversial with some residents.

Hundreds of people signed petitions to save the funfair, and the council was forced to scale back its initial regeneration proposals after a public backlash.

The council has also had to warn the public about fake images of the regeneration plans being circulated online.

The new seasonal funfair at Salt Lake will be operated by Studt’s Events, a family-run business with a long history in the events industry.

It will briefly share the site with the NoFit State contemporary circus, which will be present between 11-19 April.

Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said the new funfair reinforced the council’s commitment to delivering high-quality attractions for the town.

“We want to provide family-friendly activities that add to what Porthcawl already offers while also supporting local businesses by bringing more people into the town and county borough,” she said.

“I am pleased that the funfair will be inclusive and accessible for all visitors, and it is great to see how our plans for Porthcawl are starting to come together as part of the wider regeneration programme.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said the waterfront regeneration represented an “exciting opportunity” for the area.

“Through our continued investment in regeneration across Wales, we want to help towns like Porthcawl build on their unique strengths, grow their local economies, deliver new homes, and provide high-quality leisure and cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike,” she said.

Henry Studt of Studt’s Events Ltd added: “We are genuinely delighted to be bringing a family funfair to Porthcawl and are looking forward to playing a positive part in the town’s seasonal offer for residents and visitors.”

More details about the seasonal funfair, including confirmed dates and opening times, will be announced closer to Easter 2026.

Bridgend kitchen firm expands production after securing council-backed funding

Sigma 3 Kitchens, which has been designing and manufacturing bespoke kitchens for more than 50 years, has invested in new machinery at its Bridgend Industrial Estate site after receiving a Business Development Grant. The funding helped the company purchase a CNC drilling machine, allowing it to bring work previously outsourced to third parties back in‑house.

The firm employs 220 full‑time and eight part‑time staff, and says the new equipment will support a fresh manufacturing line and help safeguard jobs at the site.

Senior councillors, including Mayor Cllr Huw David, council leader Cllr John Spanswick and cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Neelo Farr, visited the factory to see the new investment in action.

Brian Lakin, chairman of Sigma 3 Kitchens, said the support had accelerated plans that would otherwise have been delayed for more than a year. “The funding has been a huge boost to our business and productivity,” he said. “Without the grant, the purchase would have been postponed for at least 12 to 18 months due to financial constraints. The support ensured we could move ahead without compromising growth.

“As a result of the new investment, we’ve been able to create new jobs at our Bridgend facility, making it a more capable and competitive site. Despite the challenging economic climate, we’ve had a strong year and have big plans for the coming years.”

Cllr Farr said the company’s progress was “a massive boost for the local economy”, adding that it was “remarkable to see the new machinery in action”.

Council leader Cllr Spanswick said the visit showed how grant support could help businesses grow. “This machinery is cutting edge, and they are so passionate about the products they deliver,” he said. “I would highly recommend any businesses in the county borough to get in touch about the grants we have to offer.”

The project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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Bus routes restored for Pen‑y‑Fai, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam after deal struck

The changes come into force from Monday 23 February, with the long‑running Number 71 service once again diverting through Pen‑y‑Fai on its hourly run between Bridgend and Cymmer via Maesteg.

The diversion will operate Monday to Saturday between roughly 7.44am and 6.17pm. But the tweak means the 71 will no longer head directly to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Princess of Wales Hospital — a move the council says is covered by the Number 70, which continues to serve both stops on its usual route.

Passengers using day tickets, concessionary passes or Tap On Tap Off will be able to switch between services at Bridgend Bus Station without paying extra. Those travelling on single or return tickets may need to stay on the bus as it changes service number, or pay an additional fare to continue.

Meanwhile, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam will regain a regular service under a new 63B route, running as part of the existing Bridgend–Porthcawl Number 63. The 63B will operate hourly between 9.41am and 3.39pm, Monday to Saturday. The council says more journeys could be added “subject to funding”.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said the return of the routes was “very welcome news” for communities that rely on buses for work, healthcare and daily travel.

She added that the outcome “reflects the importance of partnership working”, praising residents, ward members, council officers and First Cymru for their “continued engagement”.

The new timetables will be published by First Cymru closer to the launch date.

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Bridgend Council plans 4.95% council tax rise and greater use of AI in £550m budget

The authority says it is facing £9.2m in rising costs next year and will still need to make £2.4m in cuts, despite receiving a better‑than‑expected 4.6% funding increase from Welsh Government.

The draft budget goes before Cabinet on 13 January, with a final decision due in February.

Schools protected but other services face pressure

Schools will be shielded from savings targets next year, with extra money also going into children’s services and adult social care. But the rest of the council’s operations will feel the squeeze as inflation, demand and long‑term financial pressures continue to bite.

The council says council tax — which makes up only around 20% of its income — will need to rise by 4.95% to help balance the books.

Council turns to AI to cut costs and modernise services

One of the most striking elements of the draft budget is the council’s plan to expand its use of digital technology and AI to deliver services more cheaply and efficiently.

Bridgend says the shift is essential to keep services sustainable as costs rise faster than funding, and forms part of a wider transformation programme aimed at making the authority “more resilient” in the long term.

Leaders say settlement ‘better than expected’ but challenges remain

Cllr John Spanswick, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said:

“The funding settlement from Welsh Government for 2026/27 was better than anticipated and this has helped us to ensure that the draft budget proposals clearly align to our corporate plan which focuses on key objectives such as protecting the most vulnerable, helping local people to meet their potential and providing thriving communities for residents and businesses.”

Cllr Hywel Williams, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, said:

“Like all local authorities across Wales and the United Kingdom, we are still facing many ongoing financial challenges. However, it’s pleasing that we have received an increase in funding of 4.6% from Welsh Government this year and this has helped to reduce our funding gap for the forthcoming financial year.”

The proposals will be examined by councillors over the coming weeks before a final vote next month, with the spotlight firmly on the council’s near‑5% council tax rise and its growing reliance on AI to keep services running.

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Council leader hails Bridgend Ford site as cornerstone of AI Growth Zone

The 158‑acre site, closed since 2020 and purchased last year by Vantage Data Centres, will be transformed into a data campus of ten main buildings and three substations. Outline planning consent has already been granted, and the scheme is expected to generate up to 5,000 jobs ranging from construction roles to long‑term careers in artificial intelligence.

“At the centre of future AI development”

Cllr Spanswick said the development marked a new chapter for Bridgend:

“South Wales has a longstanding history as a centre of industry, but as needs change and time passes, it becomes essential to adapt to emerging new technologies in order to avoid being left behind.

The multi‑million‑pound investment into the former Ford site is going to place Bridgend County Borough at the centre of future AI development in the UK.”

Support for businesses and young people

Alongside the campus, a £5m support package will help businesses between Bridgend and Newport adapt to AI technologies, retrain staff and benefit from the opportunities. Colleges and universities will also play a key role, creating pathways for young people to gain skills and experience in emerging technologies.

Wider Welsh impact

This is the second AI Growth Zone announced for Wales, following Prosperity Parc on Anglesey and Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd, which together are expected to deliver 3,400 jobs.

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Porthcawl seafront plans scaled back after resident pressure

In a new video released this week, the council said the “changing master plan reflects the feedback we’ve heard.” Among the revisions are reduced building heights, expanded green space, and new walking and cycling routes designed to connect the waterfront.

The council confirmed that Griffin Park will triple in size, linking to a continuous boardwalk and a new coastal park. It also announced that Sandy Bay Beach will return to public ownership, with plans for surf lessons, outdoor fitness sessions and community events.

A council spokesperson said:

“Residents asked for a place that welcomes everyone with a mix of homes supported by a wide range of facilities. The reshaping of Porthcawl seafront has been many years in the making, driven by community engagement, shared ambition and a desire for improvement.”

Heritage features restored

The updated plans also include a state‑of‑the‑art open‑air lido and funfair rides, which the council says will “celebrate Porthcawl’s seaside heritage and create a new landmark for visitors and residents alike.”

In addition, the council confirmed that Sandy Bay’s historic “bowl” feature will be recreated, relocated and re‑imagined for modern leisure and community use.

Background

As Swansea Bay News previously reported, the council revealed its final regeneration proposals earlier this year, promising a mix of housing, leisure and tourism facilities on the seafront. The authority also warned residents about fake images circulating online which it said misrepresented the plans.

The latest revisions are presented as a direct response to community concerns that earlier designs prioritised commercial development over local needs.

Next steps

The council says further opportunities will be provided for residents to view the updated designs and share their views, including at a forthcoming public event.

#bridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #funfair #griffinPark #lido #porthcawl #regeneration #sandyBay #sandyBayBeach

Council reveals final regeneration proposals for Porthcawl seafront

Produced by Bridgend County Borough Council in partnership with Welsh Government, the masterplan seeks to provide the right balance between leisure, tourism, housing, and business requirements within Porthcawl while prioritising the needs of local people and other stakeholders. 

Developed following years of research, market engagement, technical studies and extensive public consultation, it features a wide range of ideas for facilities and attractions across the 38 hectare site, the majority of which have been directly suggested by local residents.

Among the ideas under development are plans that could include a splash pad, mini golf, a pump track, a multi-use games area, pocket parks, fitness trails, community gardens and children’s play areas, all linked by a network of paths and routes that are suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.

With opportunities for new shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and kiosks spread throughout the regeneration area, the masterplan also features a new coastal park, buildings and pavilions that can be used by community groups, a site for motorhomes and touring caravans, and plenty of open space suitable for hosting seasonal fairs, markets, festivals and events.

With Sandy Bay now under public ownership, the masterplan encourages using the beach and adjoining land for new events, and there has already been substantial interest in setting up activities ranging from surf schools and saunas to beach-based fitness training, outdoor yoga classes and more. The plan also ensures that the nearby dune habitats at Rhych Point are carefully managed and restored so that the land can be used for educational and recreational purposes.

The Lido swimming pool would be located at Salt Lake opposite the marina where it would incorporate a gym, a restaurant, a café and other related facilities. The funfair rides would form part of a new site located at the opposite end of Salt Lake, close to the Aldi food store, which would offer new public events space.

With new equipment and facilities to help make it a hub for community events and sports activities, Griffin Park will treble in size under the plan and gain a new ‘green corridor’ equipped with new features. This will loop back to the seafront where stepped coastal defences will be installed as part of a new promenade to provide enhanced protection as well as improved access to Coney Beach and Sandy Bay.

In direct response to feedback from residents, the housing element of the masterplan has been reduced to approximately 980 homes, and prevailing building heights have been lowered by 20 per cent across so that structures which were originally 5-6 storeys high will now be no taller than 3-4. 

With ambitions for up to 50 per cent of the housing to be affordable and feature a mix of tenures including shared and low-cost ownership, the council intends to prioritise local people for the housing and to impose limits on the future use of residential units with restrictions that will prevent most from being used as holiday lets or second homes.

Car parking has also been accounted for following extensive research carried out over a period of four years. Parking sites including a refurbished open air car park at Hillsboro and a new public car park at Coney Beach will be established to cope with regular demand, and the council is in the process of identifying a site for an overflow car park to cater for occasions when visitor levels are at their peak.

Council Leader John Spanswick said:

“The final Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration masterplan represents a hugely significant piece of work which has been many years in the making. 

“While complementing other local developments such as the ongoing multi-million refurbishment of the Grand Pavilion, it reflects our determination to strike the right balance between housing and community facilities, tourism and leisure, opportunities for enabling new businesses to thrive and more. 

“Delivering on its objectives will be a long-term process which will require planning consent, appropriate funding and delivery partners, but huge emphasis has been placed on making sure it remains both credible and realistic. The masterplan demonstrates the scope of our ambitions for Porthcawl, and our desire to work with residents to regenerate the town, prioritise local homes for local people, and deliver a future that they can believe in.”

Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said:

“In designing the final masterplan, we have delivered on our promise to listen to local people and reflect what they want to see while also ensuring that the proposals remain realistic, achievable and deliverable. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this process as well as our regeneration partners at Welsh Government. 

“I hope that people will take some time to study the masterplan and the responses to frequently asked questions that we have prepared before coming along to the public event and giving us their views. With 10 consultations held in the last five years alone, public engagement has proven to be a cornerstone of how this plan has developed, and I believe that together, we will deliver a future in which Porthcawl can develop and evolve to become the premier tourist destination in South Wales while also remaining a place to live and work.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: 

“This masterplan marks a bold and exciting step forward for Porthcawl, reimagining the seafront to deliver over 900 homes and new attractions that celebrate the town’s heritage. 

“By placing local people at the heart of regeneration, we are not only protecting the town’s unique character but also unlocking its full potential as a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and visit.  

“The Welsh Government is proud to support Bridgend County Borough Council in delivering a future that balances homes, heritage, and opportunity.” 

#BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #ConeyBeach #Porthcawl #regeneration

Bus service to return through Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool

Hourly service planned

The new Service 63B, operated by First Cymru Buses Ltd, will run as part of the council’s supported bus routes contract. One journey per hour will be diverted through Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool between approximately 9.41am and 3.39pm, Monday to Saturday.

The route was last served by a public bus in August 2019. Funding for the reinstated service has been secured through the Welsh Government’s Bus Network Grant, meaning there will be no additional cost to the council.

Final arrangements underway

Work is now taking place to finalise arrangements with First Cymru, with a start date to be confirmed once the operator has completed the statutory registration process with the Traffic Commissioner.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who worked together to make this possible, including council staff, residents, ward members, First Cymru and Welsh Government.

Reliable and accessible public transport is vital for connecting local people with jobs, education, healthcare, local shops and other parts of everyday life. We look forward to providing further updates very soon in relation to the start date of this new service.”

What it means for residents

The reinstatement of the service will reconnect Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool with key destinations in Bridgend and Porthcawl, improving access to jobs, education, healthcare and shopping.

The council says the move reflects its commitment to supporting sustainable transport and tackling isolation in rural communities.

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No prosecutions for fly‑tipping in Bridgend for almost a decade

Thousands of reports, but no court cases

New figures show that despite receiving more than 1,500 reports of fly‑tipping a year, Bridgend Council has not taken anyone to court for the offence since the 2015‑16 financial year.

In 2023‑24 alone, the authority logged 1,510 incidents of rubbish being dumped — only a slight reduction on the 1,600 recorded the year before.

By contrast, neighbouring Neath Port Talbot Council brought forward 139 prosecutions over the same period, while Cardiff secured 206 and Rhondda Cynon Taf 143.

Campaigners: “People have given up”

Local groups say the lack of enforcement has left communities disillusioned.

Huw Griffiths, secretary of the Coity Wallia Commoners’ Association, said residents had stopped reporting incidents because they felt nothing would be done.

“We’ve tried over the years to push them into action over fly‑tipping, but they told us they were not prepared to take action unless it’s on council‑owned property,” he said.

The group previously launched a private prosecution in 2020 after waste was dumped on farmland — believed to be the first case of its kind in Wales. But five years on, Griffiths says they remain “frustrated” by repeated incidents, including livestock harmed after eating dumped rubbish.

Council: focus on prevention and education

Bridgend Council said it continues to log and investigate all reports, but that limited resources and legal requirements mean it must first show it has tried to work with residents before issuing penalties.

A spokesperson said the authority had shifted its emphasis towards prevention and education, teaching residents how to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly.

They pointed to an 18.6% reduction in reported fly‑tipping and waste incidents since 2022‑23, and a 17.9% fall in dumped household refuse bags.

“While this approach is proving to be effective, wherever appropriate the authority will still seek to take action against offenders who refuse to use the waste and recycling system properly,” the council said.

A mixed picture across Wales

The figures highlight a patchwork approach to enforcement. While some councils bring dozens of prosecutions each year, others record only a handful — and in Anglesey, there have been none for almost two decades.

For Bridgend, the absence of prosecutions for nearly ten years has left campaigners questioning whether enough is being done to deter offenders.

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