00:00It's a major step forward in one of the biggest regeneration schemes Wales has seen in years,
00:06and now we've got a clearer idea of when it all could begin.
00:10The first phase of construction on Portgall's long-awaited waterfront development could
00:14start as soon as March 2027, according to a new report published by the local authority.
00:21The update was shared during a recent scrutiny meeting, giving councillors and residents
00:25an insight into how plans for the Salt Lake, Coney Beach and Sandy Bay areas are shaping up.
00:31In total the scheme could see around 1,100 new homes built along the seafront, as well
00:36as shops, cafes, restaurants and new leisure attractions.
00:40A consultation earlier this year saw a mix of responses, with many welcoming the focus
00:44on open spaces, play facilities, better beach access and continuous promenade to make the
00:49area more walkable.
00:50There's also support for updated flood defences.
00:54But concerns were also raised, particularly around the number of new homes, a potential
00:58loss of public parking, and the need to make sure tourism isn't lost during the years
01:02of construction.
01:04According to the timeline, the council expects a final planning application by January next
01:08year, with demolition of the funfair site possibly beginning between November 2026 and
01:14March 2027.
01:16Construction in the first phase could then begin in the spring of that year.
01:19Comes just days after the shock announcement that Coney Beach, the town's iconic fairground,
01:24will shut down later this year.
01:26Many locals said they were devastated, saying it marks the end of an era.
01:30Exactly what goes where isn't officially set in stone, but the only thing that is completely
01:35for certain, when the project is finished in however many years' time, Portcall will be
01:39a very different place for sure.
01:41My name's Pete Watkins reporting for Local TV.
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