Fresh plans for Penarth pavilion revamp
Plans for the restoration and refurbishment of Penarth Pier Pavilion have been revived by Penarth Arts and Crafts Ltd (PACL) after the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VGC) agreed to contribute £800,000 towards the scheme.
Last year, the project failed at the final hurdle in a bid to secure £2m funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), but now preparations are being made to submit a new bid later this year. First opened in 1907, the revamped pavilion building is set to include a local cinema, a casual restaurant and a heritage space featuring maritime information under plans outlined by PACL, which also operates the town's Washington Gallery.
PACL's Maggie Knight revealed that it is hoped that the latest proposals will require a reduced percentage contribution from the HLF towards project costs, and is optimistic that, together with support from VGC, the bid will succeed this time. Knight said: "The pavilion should bring people into Penarth to encourage visitors who will be interested in the many aspects that we want it to offer."
If the bid is successful, it is hoped that work can get underway in 2010. Image: Mark Rosoman