Coney Beach Amusement Park to Close After Over a Century of Seaside Fun
A beloved seaside amusement park, Coney Beach, which has been a cornerstone of Porthcawl’s coastline for over a century, is set to close its gates permanently in October. The iconic funfair, a fixture in the Newton area of Porthcawl since 1918, announced its impending closure, marking the end of an era for the seaside town and its many visitors.
The decision follows a period of consultation regarding ambitious redevelopment plans for the Porthcawl waterfront. These plans, spearheaded by Bridgend council and the Welsh government, envision a transformation of the area into a vibrant hub featuring up to 1,100 new homes, alongside retail and dining establishments, and enhanced public spaces like boardwalks and green areas.
The owners of Coney Beach Amusement Park, the Evans family, shared their reflections on Facebook, stating, “It’s the end of an era, for over 100 years we and other showmen and their families have lived and worked in Porthcawl helping to make it a busy seaside destination.” They expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of countless generations’ lives, saying, “We will miss it greatly and while we are sad to see our time here come to an end we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of so many generations of families lives, young and old.” They concluded with a heartfelt thank you: “Thank you for sharing our love of ‘all the fun of the fair’ and the legacy that Coney Beach leaves.”
The closure is expected to have a significant impact on local businesses that have long benefited from the foot traffic and events hosted by the amusement park. Simon Hogarth, owner of The Bone Cartel fried chicken restaurant, located near the fair, commented on the impending closure, “I think it’s going to be sad, the tourism side of things definitely might take a hit. Eighty percent of my customer base is families, and Coney Beach have brought a lot of families into Porthcawl.” He added, “It’s really sad. We’re all Porthcawl lads, we’ve grown up using the fair, and we’ve seen first-hand how busy it gets when the fair is busy.”
Similarly, Jason Green, owner of Mansel’s chip shop, acknowledged the substantial impact the closure will have, stating, “It’s going to have a big impact on the area… it’s the end of an era.” He highlighted the crucial role the fair plays in supporting local businesses, particularly through special events like “half price nights and firework nights” that draw considerable custom.
Lucy Domachowski and her father Paul Domachowski, owners of Harbwr Deli, echoed these sentiments, describing the moment as emotional for the community. “Coney Beach has been at the heart of the seafront for generations – a place packed with memories, tradition and family fun,” Ms. Domachowski said. While acknowledging the town’s evolution, she emphasized the importance of preserving Porthcawl’s unique spirit. “Whatever comes next needs to honour our past while building something that truly benefits the local community – not just visitors,” she urged, expressing hope for a future that reflects the town’s heritage and fosters a “thriving, welcoming seafront.”
Lauren Evans, managing director of Fablas Ice Cream, views the closure not as an end, but as a transition. “Hopefully the incoming investment will make the whole town and high street a bustling hive of activity,” she remarked, drawing parallels with the successful investment and revitalization of Trecco Bay.
The closure of Coney Beach Amusement Park signifies the end of a significant chapter in Porthcawl’s history, with the community and local businesses bracing for the changes ahead as the waterfront undergoes redevelopment.