Construction work on the new £5.5m maritime centre in Porthcawl is due to start in the next few weeks with the centre expected to be up and running in just over a year’s time.
The centre which will have a coastal science and discovery centre, a cafe, wine bar, roof terrace and micro brewery, is being built on the town’s Cosy Corner by the Esplanade.
Porthcawl town councillor Mike Clarke, who is a director of Credu Charity, the organisation behind the new maritime centre, said: “We met with the business director of our contractors Andrew Scott last week and we have agreed the contract and build proposals.
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“Work has already started in that the contractors have prepared all the drawings and set up their supply chain.
“In terms of a spade in the ground we expect that to be towards the end of June.
"We expect completion around August next year with it being operational from September."
Around 120 new jobs will be created once complete from catering and hospitality to sales and marketing.
Under the plans the main building, which is four to five storeys high, would incorporate a SeaQuest Coastal Science and Discovery Centre, conference facilities, a children’s creche, and a room for the Sea Cadets, as well as 12 rooms and two ‘pods’ as part of ‘lodging style’ accommodation for schools and youth groups.
This is how Porthcawl's new seafront development could look
On the upper floors a restaurant, bar, kitchen and offices for the Harbour Master and a surf centre will be included.
The idea is to accommodate various community, non-profit organisations and commercial premises including a training pool, changing rooms, kiosks, gym, studio, main reception and offices.
The offices will accommodate the Welsh Surfing Federation, the Sea Cadets, the Harbour Master and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.
To the southern end of the site the plans involve building a one-and-a-half-storey building with an outdoor performance area.
The maritime centre received planning permission in November 2018.
Credu Charity has evolved out of the Porthcawl Harbourside Community Interest Company.
