Porth Eirias

Working closely with Conwy County Borough Council and key stakeholders, K2 developed an ambitious brief that brought together watersports facilities, learning spaces, exhibition areas, a restaurant, café area and visitor amenities within a single contemporary building.

Responding to the seasonal nature of the coastal economy, the design incorporates a flexible arrangement of spaces capable of adapting to changing visitor demands and future patterns of use. This adaptability ensures the building continues to serve both the local community and visitors throughout the year.

Positioned between the promenade and the sea, Porth Eirias establishes a strong civic presence and a distinctive identity for the waterfront.

The building won several awards, including RICS Wales: Best Regeneration, Sustainability, and Tourism Project and Association for Public Centre Excellence: Best Regeneration Project.

The project also formed part of the award-winning Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project, recipient of the ICE Innovation Award. It was also shortlisted in the Urban Design Group National Urban Design Awards for its innovative integration of regeneration and coastal defence.

Some of the photography is courtesy of Curtins.

The architecture reflects a confident vision for the future of Colwyn Bay, creating an enduring landmark that celebrates its coastal setting while contributing to the area’s economic and social renewal.

A defining feature of the project is the integration of the building with the public promenade. Conceived as an extension of the waterfront landscape, the accessible roof terrace creates a unique public vantage point overlooking the bay, blurring the distinction between architecture, public realm and coastal infrastructure.

Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, with match funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the completed building achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, recognising its high standards of environmental performance and sustainable design.

Today, Porth Eirias has become one of North Wales’ leading waterfront destinations, combining community and watersports facilities with the acclaimed Michelin-recognised restaurant operated by Bryn Williams, attracting visitors throughout the year and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Colwyn Bay.