Colwyn Bay Watersports Hotspot

K2 Architects were appointed by Conwy CBC after winning an invited competition to develop ideas for a new watersports facility on the promenade. Construction of the BREEAM Excellent rated scheme is now underway and is scheduled for completion in July 2012.

Stimulated by the urgent need to upgrade the coastal defences, Conwy CBC ambitious redevelopment of the promenade is intended to Improve the existing and limited connectivity between town and promenade.. Whilst the Hotspot is designed to create a much needed facility for watersports enthusiasts, a natural relationship is also formed with the 50 acre sports focused Eirias Park south of the railway line through a pleasantly landscaped underpass.

K2 Architects approach deals with a number of challenges. It creates the potential for the hotspot to be a focal point for community and tourists to come together. It offers concessions with a high degree of flexibility that can adapt to the temporal nature of seafront economies. Has the potential to become an exemplar facility that is also a memorable and attractive example of good design placing Colwyn Bay at the top of potential destinations in North Wales.

The design of the hotspot resolves these challenges by extruding a section of promenade that ramps upwards from the ground creating a public events park capturing the panoramic views of the bay. The park defines the practical layout of the hotspot which lies beneath. The design ensures that all user groups can safely interact with one another whilst maximising the facilities potential flexibility. Materials have been selected that speak of the elements of earth, water and sky.