The Coastal Tourism Centre of Excellence in Pembrokeshire – announced by the WAG Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones – encompasses a range of projects from a consortium of organisations led by Pembrokeshire County Council.
The proposals are:
Tenby Low Water Landing Stage (Pembrokeshire CC)
This project element will see the construction of a new low water landing stage at Castle beach, Tenby. The existing facility is at the end of its useful life, is quite unsightly and greatly detracts from the quality evident in Tenby’s built and natural environment. The proposed new facility will comprise a fixed lift and stairs to a pivoted bridge structure leading to floating pontoons. The fixed structure will be sited on Castle Hill, from which visitors using the inclined elevator would enter and exit. Other visitors could use walkways to the northern and southern sides of Castle Hill. The bridge structure would be some 60 metres long and lead to a pontoon landing stage for four boats. This would become the main landing stages for boat trips to Caldey Island, and could also accommodate other trips, for instance sea angling, wildlife watching or charter trips to places further afield.
Angle and Dale low water landing stages (Milford Haven Port Authority)
It is intended to provide new low water landing stages at Angle and Dale. These could potentially provide the basis of a water taxi service between the two points that is less constrained by tidal conditions than at present.
Solva and Porthgain enhancements (Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority)
At both locations the overall approach is to improve visitor management, creating a more pedestrian friendly village green feel to the centre of the village and creating easier access to improve the ability to launch boats. The design respects the unique history and materials of the locality. It will also enhance the villages, for instance providing at Porthgain a new picnic area to increase visitor dwell time, enjoyment, interpretation and spend.
Coppet Hall visitor centre and car park (The Hean Castle Estate)
The intention is to demolish the existing toilets and to upgrade and re-surface the car park incorporating some light landscaping and seafront disabled parking. A new multi-functional two storey building will be constructed to provide exhibition space. Public conveniences to replace those demolished will also be present within the building. The building will also house facilities such as a restaurant and tourist related retail outlets. These outlets would only sell or rent beach paraphernalia rather than be for general retail use.
As Pembrokeshire’s coastal environment is precious, the project partners will be liaising closely with stakeholders including planning authorities, the Countryside Council for Wales and other bodies to ensure that the detail of the proposals are acceptable before any physical work commences.
The total cost of the proposals is £4,042,500. The contribution from the European Regional Development Fund is £1,909,500. Match funding will be provided by the partners.
It is anticipated that 10 jobs will be created directly, but that indirect job creation as a result of increased visitor spend will be significant.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in North Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Rob Lewis, said: “It comes as no surprise to me that Pembrokeshire is a Centre of Excellence for coastal tourism. It is extremely gratifying that the Minister has now made our status official.
“Of course Pembrokeshire has been recognised as a premier destination for visitors over very many years, so we are delighted to have been awarded this Centre of Excellence and the funding that will allow us to develop our tourism offer.
“We look forward to working with our partners the Milford Haven Port Authority, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and the Hean Castle Estate to deliver the various elements involved.”
