'Town Centre Placemaking Strategy': Stakeholder Workshop

On the 18th of December ‘Better Porthcawl’ were invited to a Stakeholder Engagement workshop by Bridgend County Borough Council, in order to represent the community on Porthcawl Town Centre’s Placemaking Strategy.

Better Porthcawl Partnership, identified by BCBC as a key stakeholder, attended the meeting at the Hi-Tide along with Porthcawl Town Council, Porthcawl Chamber of Trade, A Voice for the Future of Porthcawl and representatives of Porthcawl Comprehensive School.

“The Town Centre Placemaking Strategy provides an opportunity to create a dynamic document that provides a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development for Porthcawl Town Centre, whilst respecting and reinforcing its strengths. A key part of the work involves identifying issues and threats which limit the full potential of the town centre and show consideration of how this can be addressed.” (BCBC, November, 23)

The event was run by Architectural Designers, Austin-Smith:Lord and also attended by Jacob Lawrence, BCBC Principle Regeneration Officer, and Billy Stark, BCBC Principle Regeneration Officer.

Austin-Smith:Lord architects presented re: Porthcawl Town Centre Place Making, informing the group on footfall and figures on building standards. We gathered around a large floor map of Porthcawl and generally discussed areas of the town centre that worked and those that needed improvement. The history of the town centre was featured, and as stakeholders we were asked how important they felt the historic past was today and whether that needed more or less representation.

Accessibility into the town-centre was also a key topic of discussion. Stakeholders spoke of the limitations of accessing John Street from the north end of Hillsborough Place, both in terms of ease of access and aesthetics. The linkages between the new Aldi development and John Street was also mentioned and the need to encourage shoppers back into John Street from Aldi.  

Areas that required development were the area labeled ‘The Square’, and the former Knights Arms, situated behind B&M, which has been left derelict. Stakeholders discussed the potential of this area and ideas on how it could be developed. As well as the historic significance of the area and how this could be restored with development.

Car parking in the town centre was also mentioned in terms of the development of Hillsborough Car Park and the Town Centre Car Park. The current layout could be improved within Hillsborough Car Park adding additional spaces. This was suggested as a quick fix to some of the parking issues in town.

Businesses within the town centre were discussed and the type of businesses that are attracted into Porthcawl Town Centre. It was noted that Porthcawl ranks well compare to other town centres in terms of variety of businesses and shop vacancies. It was discussed how the council could attract more independent businesses into the town centre. The development of South Hillsborough Car Park with shipping containers was noted as a way of giving small businesses the opportunity to start with lower rents and shorter-term leases.

Another issue noted by the younger attendees of the workshop was the lack of things to do in the Town Centre, after shopping there is not really a space for young people. On this note, the nightlife of Porthcawl Town Centre was also mentioned, stakeholders noted that businesses closed at 4pm and then there was little atmosphere in the town centre in the evenings. 

It was interesting to think about Porthcawl Town Centre in terms of it’s strengths and weaknesses. We all were pleased to be invited to the event, however, feel that we weren’t representative of the wider Porthcawl community. Indeed, we thought the Porthcawl Civic Trust should have attended, as they have a lot to offer, as would the Porthcawl Museum Society and of course more of the actual traders. actual traders. Although we are aware that a wider public consultation is proposed to take place in February, we suggest that the Architectural team take opportunity to meet with more groups to gain further insight into the town’s strengths and weaknesses at the earliest opportunity.

Better Porthcawl Partnership has been established for the intention of obtaining a meaningful link for discussion between BCBC and Porthcawl's stakeholder groups/wider local public. We encourage stakeholders to contact us in the hope that we can grow into a powerful, representative voice for Porthcawl ahead of the forthcoming/further regeneration processes. 

We hope to continue in our placemaking/place planning discussions with BCBC and we would be delighted to welcome wider contribution from individuals and community groups.

Thus far our group discussions have involved representatives from Chamber of Trade, Sustainable Wales, A Voice for the Future Porthcawl and the Porthcawl Civic Trust.

Each of these groups have also therefore been afforded the opportunity to attend Stakeholder events, via BCBC, and hosted by the Architectural and Planning consultancy Austin-Smith:Lord

Contact us below…

Better Porthcawl: Minutes from meeting with Jacob Lawrence BCBC 16 July 2023

Better Porthcawl: Minutes from meeting with Jacob Lawrence

Date/Time: Wednesday 16th of July, 4.30pm 

Attendees: 

Elen Jones (Better Porthcawl/Jenipher’s Coffi)

Ella Williamson (Better Porthcawl/Sustainable Wales)

Gemma Lewis (Better Porthcawl/A Voice For the Future of Porthcawl/The Pantri Box)

Jacob Lawrence (BCBC) Porthcawl Regeneration Programme Manager

Jamie Strong (Better Porthcawl/A Voice For the Future of Porthcawl)

Margaret Minhinnick (Better Porthcawl/Sustainable Wales)

Notes: 

1. Aldi opening without the pedestrian links into the town centre:

•        Aldi is currently at breach of its planning permission for not having the pedestrian town centre links finished before opening. Whilst in breach temporarily; it would not currently be expedient to take enforcement action given they have committed to delivering the links as soon as practicable following the busy summer period.

•        Some of the delays are a result of negotiations/design amendments to ensure the most effective/appropriate crossing and access routes - liaising with planning department to ensure accessibility and correct traffic codes etc.

•        It is has been deemed not expedient to do it now because it will require road closures during “busy season” in Porthcawl.

•        It will be completed later when traffic is quieter in Porthcawl.

2. Welsh Government Involvement in Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration:

•        Welsh Government have bought out the Evans Family, and now own the land on Coney Beach. Evans Family have another three years of trading.

•        There will be a new owners agreement to ensure the development looks at the land parcels in one rather than separate entities. 

•        Both parties (BCBC/Welsh Gov) being involved will mean they can both hold each other accountable. 

•        Welsh Gov have “unlocked” this development and means the regeneration will happen and the process can begin, it has been 20 years in the making and Welsh Gov involvement removes hurdles and blockades.

•        Welsh Gov involvement means there is more funding for the project and opportunities to seek more if required - ensuring the project is done for the community and not for the returns.

3. Type of Development:

•        Welsh Gov involvement means there is more flexibility to what can be delivered in Porthcawl, as well as more money. The regeneration will still need to accord with planning policy requirements and the principles set out within the placemaking strategy (which reflect the planning policy requirements).

•        The plans can be more for the community as there is less need for a monetary return on investment, as would be required by a private business and more can be reinvested in the area for public benefit.

•        50% of housing to be available for low incomes; there is a vast spectrum to what this type of housing is considered and who for. Not all going to be social housing but can be flats for first time buyers or shared ownership models.

•        Net Zero Housing: more scope to ensure housing is carbon neutral, both parties held accountable by one another. There will be specific design codes enforced.

•        Possibly looking at the tendering of the Waterfront Regeneration as a whole rather than pockets of land to ensure consistency. Will also ensure the whole project is completed in succession rather than parts being “left behind”.

•        There could be an opportunity to slightly reduce housing on Sandy Bay, and possibility of incorporating other development eg an area of camper van space.

4. Open Space Design/Consultation:

•        Expecting architectural plans/results on Open Space Design imminently (council set deadline for design 15th of July) and will be made public in due course along with officers report.

5. Better Porthcawl Partnership:

•        Funnel for information to community is possible - council are open to this model.

•        There will have to be parameters and people will have to be reasonable with their expectations.

•        Suggested writing an explanation of what ‘Better Porthcawl’ could be.

•        Getting the Porthcawl Town Council to support the initiative to give the network more gravitas.

6. Traffic Survey and Parking:

•        A company has been tendered to begin the parking survey over the summer holidays, looking at Porthcawl’s car parks (including the new Aldi).

•        They will compare the data and also seek to do the same survey the following year - recognise the importance of annual comparisons.

•        Building a Porthcawl for the future.

•        Hypothetically if the results show a need for 2000+ car parking spaces for peak summer day, BCBC will not be building a multi-storey to match, but will look at seasonal, flexible alternatives to ensure parking. An overflow car park in a field was suggested - this will mean there won't need to be a constant concrete infrastructure built but a flexible green space that can have multiple uses.

Vision for Open Space Competition!

Better Porthcawl are inviting all school pupils to take part in our Vision for Open Space Competition and be in with the chance of winning 2 CINEMA TICKETS!! The deadline for the competition is the 24th of March!!

We are asking you to submit a plan that shows what YOU would like to see the community open spaces, as outlined in the council's regeneration plans, used for. We will except any medium of entry from a scribble on paper to a video, so get creative! 

Ruth Jones via the Guardian Photograph: Chris McAndrew/Camera Press/Chris McAndrew

All entries will be passed on to the council so they can see all the ideas you have to transform YOUR town. Some very special judges will decide on the winning plan… Councillor Neelo Farr, the BCBC cabinet member for regeneration and THE RUTH JONES aka Nessa!

Below is the map from the council showing where the proposed open spaces are going to be. The key areas we are looking at are:

• the Linear Park (along the eastern prom. represented by the number 1)

• Griffin Park extension into the Monster Park (represented by the number 5)

• And the Sand Dunes on the right hand side of Sandy Bay

Let your imagination run wild!! No idea is wrong in our eyes and they might just be used for the inspiration for the actual designs by the council. Here at Better Porthcawl we believe if you don't ask, you don't get. So let's get asking. This is the town in which you'll grow up.....so it's important you're happy with it! 

Here are some questions you might want to consider before you get started:

What activity would you like to do in Porthcawl?
What are your hobbies?
Where do you like to play and how could it be better?
Where have you been on holiday that had really great open space?
What would you like to protect that already exists in Porthcawl?
What about the weather? How will it affect your plans? What about spaces for a rainy day?

Below are some of our ideas which might spark some of yours…

15 Minute City Blog: Everything you need locally

There are many key buzzwords that fly around in the discourse of Porthcawl’s waterfront regeneration, in the next few blog posts ‘Better Porthcawl’ are hoping to untangle some of these phrases and explain what they could mean for our town.

Firstly, a “15-minute city" or in the case of Porthcawl a “20-minute neighbourhood”.

The theory of a “15-minute city” was thought of by Carlos Moreno in 2016 and it re-emerged during the Covid 19 pandemic for town centre renewal. The lockdowns generated issues of connectivity and locality within our cities and towns. It showed that the necessities of a good neighbourhood needed to be accessible within a short distance by foot or bicycle. The idea has been praised and its importance has been recognized to fit every neighbourhood, not just cities, hence the term “20-minute neighbourhood”.

The basic premise of the concept is: work, food, healthcare, education, culture and leisure should all be in a 20-minute radius of where you live. This increase of locality leads to positive outcomes for community health and well-being, and in turn lessens the impact on the environment. 

Minimal travel between these key needs means each neighbourhood should fulfil six social functions: living, working, supplying, caring, learning and enjoying, without the need of using a car.

A 20-minute neighbourhood has many benefits, particularly for the environment, because of the reduced reliance on cars which will importantly lower carbon emissions and increase the air quality in urban spaces. 

There are also benefits for the local economy, keeping money within the neighbourhood which will increase local investment and prosperity. 

https://www.simagazin.com/en/si-urban-en/topics-urban/urban/paris-die-stadt-der-viertelstunde/

The cumulative effect are benefits for people’s health and well-being, getting people more active as well as increasing social connections within the community and reducing greenhouse emissions.

The theory of  20-minute neighbourhoods has been adopted by many cities, with positive results in Paris, Portland (Oregon) and Melbourne, and is now being used in urban renewal plans around the UK. 

Indeed, here in Wales, the 2020 report of the Future Generations Commissioner includes the recommendation that government should ‘Commit to introducing the 20-minute neighbourhood concept for all towns and cities in Wales; creating healthier, happier communities fit for a zero-carbon future’.

There has been some controversy around 20-minute neighbourhoods, a misinterpretation of the idea has led people to believe it will restrict people’s personal freedoms. It is important to note that the idea does not suggest plans to “lock people” into certain areas or restrict people’s freedom to leave their neighbourhood. 

The idea is to build the richness of our neighbourhoods, to encourage people to not use their cars to commute for their daily needs, not to segregate people or regulate a person’s travel.

But what does that mean here in Porthcawl?

Within the Approved Place-making Strategy (May 2022), Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) stated that the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration plans should be viewed as  

“a wider jigsaw providing a complete, compact and connected neighbourhood, where people can meet their everyday needs within a short walk or cycle”

— Approved Place-making Strategy (May 2022)

BCBC has used the theory of a 20-minute neighbourhood for inspiration for the regeneration plans. 

See the map below of the 20-minute walking radius from John Street as the centre of the town. 

The Place-Making Strategy also attached the diagram of ‘Features of a 20-minute Neighbourhood’, displaying some hopeful checkpoints for what the development plans will provide for Porthcawl. 

The regeneration plans are hoping to make Porthcawl more accessible on foot and increase the connectivity between key services and features of our town.

Further to this they have created a summary review against the key criteria of 20-minute neighbourhood. They state opportunities that could arise in key locations within Porthcawl using the criteria of a 20-minute neighbourhood. 

The full table is available to download at the end of the blog but some examples include: an outdoor learning trail, a cycle hub, better access to the beach and increased walkability.

The Place-Making Strategy also attached the diagram of ‘Features of a 20-minute Neighbourhood’, displaying some hopeful checkpoints for what the development plans will provide for Porthcawl.

The regeneration plans are hoping to make Porthcawl more accessible on foot and increase the connectivity between key services and features of our town.

Further to this they have created a summary review against the key criteria of 20-minute neighbourhood. They state opportunities that could arise in key locations within Porthcawl using the criteria of a 20-minute neighbourhood. 

The full table is available to download at the end of the blog but some examples include: an outdoor learning trail, a cycle hub, better access to the beach and increased walkability.

Community Meet Up Tues 7 March

Better Porthcawl are inviting everyone to an after school meet-up to discuss the planned open spaces in the Porthcawl Regeneration project! We want you to have a say in what the council does with the public open space in Porthcawl and we welcome you to share all your ideas - big and small!! We'd love to to hear the young voices, the future residents of Porthcawl, and see some drawings and ideas to brainstorm before the councils public consultation event. 

Join us on Tuesday, the 7th of March from 3.30pm until 4.40pm at the Newton Primary entrance to Sandy bowl bring your bike, scooter, unicycle, dogs, cats, hamsters (everyone!) and check out the maps of the proposed open spaces in the councils plans. We can tell you all we have learnt from the council and have a chat about the exciting plans! We will get a few after school snacks to share round too!

This is a casual community meet up before the official council consultation on the 15th and 23rd of March in the Pavilion (TBC). We hope this meet-up will inspire us all with some new ideas and encourage you to attend the BCBC event and tell the council what you want for the open space in our beloved town!

Better Porthcawl Open Space Brief

Prior to going to the Stakeholder Engagement Workshop with Bridgend County Borough Council, the Better Porthcawl Group came together to discuss what we thought would be best use for the open space in Porthcawl. We played a game of consequences to come up with a consensus to put forward to the council at the workshop. Written below is the brief and the thought-clouds as a result of the consequences game.

Better Porthcawl Brief for Open Spaces:

Better Porthcawl main objectives for the Open Spaces within the Regeneration of Porthcawl Seafront are maximising green space, prioritising community wellness (both physical and mental) and ensuring sustainability and eco-living.

Porthcawl Placemaking Startery May 2022: Planned Public Open Spaces

Better Porthcawl has been chosen as a significant community stakeholder by the regeneration officers of Bridgend County Borough Council. We have been invited to take part in a workshop to engage on the communities desires for the new open spaces of Porthcawl. The proposed areas of open space are shown in the map below (Place Making Strategy, May 2022), with the extension of Griffin Park with the Monster Park, as well as the Linear Park along the current Salk Lake and Eastern Promenade. 

 Prior to this workshop those involved in Better Porthcawl discussed their needs/wants for the open spaces. A game of consequences was played to find a general consensus between the group. The results of this can be seen on subsequent pages, shown through Thought Clouds. The ideas were sectioned through 6 key wants for the environment, play, live, eat and must do’s and must nots. 

 The overarching themes were maximising green space, prioritising community wellness (both physical and mental) and insuring sustainability and eco-living. 

  The group recognised the opportunities for open spaces for new areas of community building such as community gardens, gathering spaces, areas for education and space for an outdoor venue.

The exercise also showed the importance of protecting the natural environment that was already there; the protection of existing trees as well as the relic sand dunes. Increasing and protecting green space was key, the group want to insure the open spaces aids biodiversity and wildlife. 

New modern, initiatives for the open space were also discussed such as a state of the art pump track and shipping container space for small independent businesses. Better Porthcawl want the area to be creative and cutting edge, it should stand out in comparison to other parks and recreational areas. 

The pricing was another key want for the area, the group want the open space to be a place for all generations to enjoy free of charge.

Finally, the group came up with what the open spaces must not be, Better Porthcawl want to insure the open spaces do not in anyway cause climate change. They must not become heavily industrialised with the use of concrete or hardscaping. 

The open spaces, and the regeneration project as a whole, should not take away opportunities for future generations and protect the well being of those yet to be born. 

See below the Thought-Clouds from Consequences Game: