Exciting Marine-Themed Play Area Set to Transform Cosy Corner
A new chapter in the revitalization of Cosy Corner is about to begin, with an accessible, marine-themed play area set to enhance the popular Porthcawl waterfront. This latest addition marks the second phase of a £3 million regeneration scheme, aimed at transforming the space into a hub for families, culture, and tourism.
Funded through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by the Green Space Enhancement Team, the play area promises an engaging and inclusive experience for children. Among its standout features will be a striking blue whale structure, interwoven climbing nets, slides, ladders, and interactive boat-themed elements designed for accessibility.
Positioned at the upper end of the site, the new play facility will accommodate up to 70 children at a time while preserving the open green space for cultural events such as theatre, music, and dance performances throughout the warmer months. The design also complements the existing pirate ship play equipment at Griffin Park, reinforcing the area’s nautical theme.
Cllr John Spanswick, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, highlighted the significance of the development, stating, “This project is a fantastic example of how we are creating spaces that unite play, culture, and tourism in the county borough. The new play area will provide a complete experience for families, whilst supporting our commitment to community wellbeing and economic regeneration.”
He further emphasized how the investment aligns with the broader £3 million transformation of Cosy Corner, which has already introduced flat landscaping, six new commercial units, additional seating, an all-weather canopy, and upgraded public facilities. “Because we wanted to really make this an iconic and well-used facility, we temporarily paused work at the site to source more funding so that we could add a large-scale children’s play area. I’m delighted that this has now been achieved, and that work will soon commence on installing the new feature,” he added.
Acknowledging the temporary disruption during construction, Cllr Spanswick assured residents that the enhancements will be worth the short-term inconvenience.
Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, which oversees cultural programming in the area, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “With the Grand Pavilion closed for an exciting redevelopment, we are fortunate to have outdoor spaces like Cosy Corner for our events programme, so we can continue to engage with, and entertain the local community. I am sure that the new play equipment will make Cosy Corner even more appealing to young families.”
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, also welcomed the addition, highlighting its strong ties to Porthcawl’s coastal identity. “The marine-themed play area is a brilliant addition to Cosy Corner—perfectly complementing Porthcawl’s coastal identity, with many of the designs reflecting ideas offered by local school children. Awen Cultural Trust’s inspiring work will elevate this space further, providing opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy unique cultural experiences. It’s an exciting time for Porthcawl, and we’re proud to be supporting this development.”
As construction gets underway, excitement is building for what promises to be a vibrant, family-friendly destination that will serve both local residents and visitors for years to come.