Saundersfoot Harbour has undergone major re-development and transformation in recent years, with the Trust Port acquiring disused and derelict sites on the Harbour's old boundaries, and renovating, developing, and transforming these areas into high-quality facilities and experiences, with the aim of revitalising the village and creating an unique coastal visitor tourism attraction called the Wales International Coastal Centre.
This £10 million development of the Wales International Coastal Centre, made possible by the funding from EU Funding Bodies, Welsh Government, and Coastal Communities, was completed in 2022 and is due to officially open in 2023 (date TBC).
The first major developments of the plan to transform and redevelop Saundersfoot Harbour happened back in January 2015. First Minister Carwyn Jones visited the village and announced that a project to redevelop the marine facilities had been awarded. He said “The scheme will see the harbour, built 185 years ago, overhauled to improve access but also to ensure its long-term viability.”
Phase 1, most of which was completed in 2015, included visitor pontoons and moorings, an outer slipway and dry boat racking. This has already benefitted recreational harbour users by overcoming tidal problems through the building of a new slipway, which now allows launching at all states of tide. This has made a positive difference to the harbour workings and supports Visit Wales’ intent to increase the use of our coastal waters for recreational use.
Phase 2, completed in 2022, was a more ambitious strategy to transform Saundersfoot into a year round tourist destination by establishing the Harbour as a venue for arts, events and water activities, and reviving the heritage of the area in four new linked facilities: the Marine Centre of Excellence, Ocean Square, Coastal Schooner, and National Events Deck. Find out more about these below.