A funding announcement by the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, has signalled a major step forward in the redevelopment of Saundersfoot Harbour to become an international destination for marine tourism.
The harbour has been awarded £463,500 in European Regional Development Funding, which contributes towards a £927,000 total project cost. Additional funding of £200,000 has also been secured through the Tourism Infrastructure Support Scheme fund.
The project extends Visit Wales’s existing coastal tourism activity, which is funded through the EU Coastal Tourism Project and works with the Saundersfoot Trust Port to further develop the facilities within Saundersfoot, making it an iconic tourism destination for south west Wales.
Philip Evans, chair of the Harbour Commission, said: “This first phase of Marine Infrastructure is a critical installation that nearly doubles our mooring capacity and also triggers the exciting Marine Centre of Excellence programme, which will bring 55 new jobs directly into this Port.
“Our strategy, and indeed challenge, was to create an internationally recognised iconic leisure and commercial harbour. Thanks to the vision, ambition and support of Welsh Government, this £4m programme is now achievable and will be delivered by the Commissioners and Executive Team here in Saundersfoot.’’
The First Minister said: “I’m delighted to make this announcement and to see the plans that the Harbour Commission has for future development, and to raise the profile of Saundersfoot Harbour.
Improved access is key to competing on an international stage.
“I’m also delighted to see that the plans aim to make the most of the area’s rich maritime heritage by establishing a heritage trail and interpretation installations around the walkway. Tourism is a vital employer in Pembrokeshire, sustaining the local economy and culture and this development will create 24 jobs in the area.”
The Coastal Tourism Project has seen three Coastal Tourism Centres of Excellence receive a total of £18.3m of funding (£8.2m ERDF) since 2010. The three centres are Pembrokeshire, Aberdaron and Swansea Bay.
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