A new £7 million Sands of Speed museum is set for Pendine in Carmarthenshire, to commemorate the beach where Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the land speed record.
Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the land speed record in 1927 in the legendary Blue Bird. The Sands of Speed museum will be developed alongside a 420-bed hostel that will cater for visitors.
There will also be an area for beach games and a children’s adventure playground.
EU and Welsh Government funds will back the project, that was approved by the majority of Councillors.
One councillor noted that the existing museum was only built in the 1990s and now faces demolition. Carys Jones said: “Is that how long we expect buildings to last these days?”
The decision was justified because the existing building had a problem with direct sunlight. It could result in damage to the paintwork of its exhibits.
A regeneration plan from the council was put in place in 2010, that hopes to address the “physical and commercial decline” of Pendine on the Carmarthen Bay coast.
An £800,000 promenade and a £1m commercial block with public toilets and external showers have already been built.
Labour councillor, Ken Lloyd, said: “This development is going to increase tourism in Pendine. I’m just wondering that there’s enough [parking] spaces if it really takes off.”
Work is scheduled to begin in November.
Image courtesy of Carmarthenshire county council
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45645026
