An artist's impression of how Porthcawl's new marina would look

Bridgend Council may create a 400-berth marina and build sea defences, with plans for a new outer harbour and lock and refurbishing the existing harbour.

It could create nearly 500 building jobs and 30 full-time.

The council said funding opportunities and land ownership issues were being investigated for it to go ahead.

"This would be an exciting development for Bridgend county borough that would enhance Porthcawl's status as a coastal resort and holiday destination," said council chief executive Keri Lewis.

"The proposals are the next stage of the special planning guidance previously produced to oversee the regeneration of the harbour and Sandy Bay area of Porthcawl.

"The cabinet considered a number of different options for a marina including excavating the former harbour which now forms the Salt Lake car park, but the outer harbour plan is more financially viable in the long term and is also large enough in scope to cater for the needs of the resort.

The town's existing harbour would be revamped under the scheme

"Constructing an outer harbour would also allow the possible development of the Salt Lake car park for further uses and the marina would attract linked services such as chandlers, sail makers and possibly a boat sales yard.

"At 400 berths, the Porthcawl marina would be bigger than the marinas at Swansea (380), Penarth (350), Milford Haven (300) and Bristol (100).

"Such a project would reinforce the authority's commitment towards Porthcawl and we are confident that the benefits of this scheme would be felt throughout Bridgend county borough."

The plans incorporate a new outer harbour and lock, extensive facilities, new coastal defences and a improving the existing harbour.

Improved coastal defences would be built at nearby Sandy Bay with a 10m promenade for access to the beach with works to prevent further erosion at Rhych point.

Public consultation exercises and further reports will be carried out by the council.