For generations of people from all over the UK, Porthcawl was the coastal retreat that shaped childhood summers. Days were filled with devouring ice creams on the shore, setting up your caravan at Trecco Bay, and waiting eagerly for the helter skelter at Coney Beach Pleasure Park.

During its golden era of the 1940s, 50s and 60s, Porthcawl was even called "Wales' mini Blackpool". Each summer, the renowned Miners' Fortnight revolutionised the town, packing guesthouses, caravans and the thriving seafront with families from mining communities throughout Wales. Customarily occurring during the final week of July and the opening week of August, it represented the pinnacle of the year for countless families and on hot days there was barely space for a towel to be found on the beach, such was the extent of the crowds.

Now, though, the picture is dramatically altered. A midweek visit to the town exposes an almost eerie silence. Barriers occupy spaces where vibrant shopfronts previously attracted visitors; shutters remain closed, streets virtually deserted.

Much of this deterioration stemmed from the closure of Coney Beach Pleasure Park last year. Following over a century of trading, its proprietors announced that the historic amusement park would remain permanently shut, marking the end of an era for locals and loyal visitors alike. Thousands expressed cherished memories and sorrow over the loss. Amongst them were Bill and Susan Emment, lifelong beach visitors who had previously shared their heartache with WalesOnline.

"I spent all my childhood down here and I used to love going to the fair with my grandparents," said Susan. "There are so many memories here, and I still can't believe it's gone."

Local traders were similarly affected. Kym Bateman, who has operated donkey and pony rides on Porthcawl's beach for over 40 years, described the closure as "absolutely devastating".

Nevertheless, while it remains uncertain how many businesses have permanently shut their doors since the closure, there may be cause for optimism as the seafront prepares for a significant transformation.

Following years of consultation between Bridgend County Borough Council and local residents, proposals for a substantial redevelopment of Porthcawl's waterfront were submitted in April 2026.

The hybrid plans detail up to 980 new homes, a new spine road connecting the Eastern Promenade to Sandy Bay, and the regeneration of 43.6 hectares of coastal land - combining former leisure sites with open green spaces.

The scheme also encompasses a new lido and gym, landscaped public areas, shops, coastal defences, and an array of leisure attractions intended to revitalise this formerly thriving seaside town.

In 2025, following the closure of Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Porthcawl councillor Elen Jones acknowledged that it marked "an end of an era" for the town, but said she was hopeful of a bright future for the area in the wake of the closure.

"We look forward to working with the community, government, businesses and investors to ensure that the future of Porthcawl is vibrant, successful and sustainable," she said.