The project in the popular seaside town of Porthcawl will see the existing car park close on 20 March 2026.
Bridgend County Borough Council say the closure will make way for a high-quality public space designed to support community activity, events, businesses and improved access between key areas of the town centre and the Metrolink.
The larger adjacent Hillsboro North car park will remain open as usual for residents and visitors.
The council say the new space is the latest step in the town’s wider waterfront regeneration scheme, which has seen significant changes in recent years.
Those changes included the closure of the iconic Coney Beach Amusement Park.
The council say the development will also celebrate the site’s heritage and history through the reinstatement of historic rail features, while creating a greener, attractive and accessible environment for residents and visitors.
Active travel improvements will also be made as part of the scheme, with the council promising improved links to the Metrolink and town centre, a new toucan pedestrian crossing, and a new route connecting Dock Street with the town centre.
Other key features of the scheme include pop-up business units, a flexible public space capable of hosting events and activities, informal play features, and wildflower planting.
It comes after some previous regeneration plans in the town were scaled back after resident pressure, and follows difficulties with other local projects such as the failed Maritime Centre.
However, the town is one of several in Wales to benefit from a multi-million-pound pledge to revive town centres.
Cllr Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing said: “The work is intended to create a more welcoming, accessible and environmentally sustainable gateway into Porthcawl town centre and the high-quality nature of this work will offer a visible snapshot into what we are trying to achieve with the wider waterfront regeneration scheme.”
Cllr Farr added: “This represents an exciting opportunity that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors and it’s pleasing to that the town’s railway heritage is reflected in the plans, while also offering flexibility to use the public space for a variety of events and business opportunities.”
