Popular seaside town known as ‘the jewel of Wales’ unveils plan for £4million revamp of much-loved beachfront attraction

THE ‘Jewel of Wales' is about to get even shinier – thanks to a multi-million pound makeover of the town's famous Grand Pavilion.

Porthcawl's much-loved art deco theatre, which has been a mainstay of its seafront for more than 90 years, is about to undergo a huge redevelopment.

Home of Gavin and Stacey stars Rob Brydon and Ruth Jones, the South Wales town – which is also located 40 minutes from Barry Island, where the show is set – is a popular tourist destination.

Porthcawl is about to get £20million pumped into a complete redevelopment of its much-loved seafront area, including a number of new attractions being built and a £4million makeover of the historic Grand Pavillion theatre.

The building’s original domed roof will see a “sensitive restoration”, with the original marine-styled weather vane reinstated and modern insulation added.

Plans will also see new extensions added, including a glazed rooftop pavilion with views of the Bristol channel.

The pavilion's theatre, which closed in February 2024 for the construction work, will be re-opened with enhanced facilities, giving the building a new lease of life.

It is set to house a new studio theatre, bar, and “changing places” facility.

Renders shared by Awen Cultural Trust show the planned extension, including the rooftop pavilion.

A passenger lift, auditorium, gallery, toilet facilities, and supporting back-of-house areas will also be developed.

Porthcawl native Rob Brydon is among the big names who have sold out The Grand Pavilion – with his fellow Gavin and Stacey stars Steffan Rhodri and Robert Wilfort performing there early in their careers.

Eddie Izzard, Elkie Brooks, Cerys Matthews, and Katherine Jenkins have also headlined the hotspot, while Sir Tom Jones gave one of his first performances there in 1963.

The venue is praised for its seafront location and panoramic views of the Heritage Coast.

And it has been described as a “much-loved creative space for audiences, young talent and visitors alike, to engage with arts, culture and heritage”.

“I've had some great times in Porthcawl Pavilion,” one five star reviewer wrote online.

“From raves on Saturday nights in my teens to Christmas Pantomime with our children then our grandchildren.

“Great cafe bar for a catch up with friends and when the sun shines, sit outside and people watch on the prom.”

Another visitor praised the “amazing sound quality” within the domed theatre.

As well as the pavilion boost, Porthcawl will see a variety of new attractions added to the seafront area.

A skate park, pump track, and mini golf course, as well as splash parks and play areas will all feature.

Woodland attractions with treetop walks and climbing walls will also be added as part of the plans.

Restaurants, shops, and cafes are set to line the town's promenade.

Seasonal events such as fairgrounds and local fairs are set to take place during peak tourist times.

The Porthcawl area boasts seven sandy beaches, six of which allow swimmers.

There is also a wide variety of affordable pubs to visit in the area, including the Jolly Sailor, which first became a licensed brew house in 1818.

Seafront Beach, also known as The Town Beach, is the closest to the Grand Pavilion.

Sandy Bay, also known as Coney Beach, is located just off the promenade, just a 10 minute walk away.

Watersports are also a popular attraction for tourists, with local businesses offering surfing and kite boarding excursions.

Work is set to begin on the Grand Pavilion redevelopment project in May, with the new and improved space officially opening in spring 2027.