07 Aug 2008
Pier regeneration plans to move forward
BY Pete Hayman
Plans for a £39m regeneration of Mumbles Pier near Swansea, Wales, are expected to take a step forward today. Swansea Council's cabinet will be asked to approve a draft development framework for the scheme designed to restore the pier as a leading tourist attraction. The pier's owner, AMECO, has already unveiled the plans for the regeneration of the Mumbles attraction, including a luxury 150-bed hotel and spa, a conference and exhibition centre, and a family entertainment centre. Managing director of AMECO, John Bollom, said: "The pier has been in the stewardship of our family firm for the last 70 years. We believe that we can ensure its future and create a premier tourist destination that offers stunning panoramic views and do so at no cost to the public purse." AMECO's plans include £4m for rebuilding works as the 250-metre pier nears the end of its maintainable life. The company says it will be unable to obtain grant aid for the work, but the plans have been designed to fit in with a wider council strategy for the regeneration of Swansea Bay. The plans have already received the support of Swansea Council's leader, Chris Holley. He said: "The Swansea Bay Strategy aims to produce nodes around the bay that provide jobs and visitor attractions, and the Mumbles Pier proposals appear to be entirely in line with that."
Close Window