The Vale of Glamorgan Council – in close partnership with Penarth Town Council and the local community – has published new plans that will help shape the town’s future.
Placemaking is a people-centred approach focused on enhancing our towns and community spaces to make them more welcoming, vibrant, and enjoyable places for everyone.
It could involve a wide range of efforts – from major infrastructure upgrades to cultural events and small-scale local projects that are all designed to foster a strong sense of belonging and connection within the community.
These plans are the result of an extensive programme of engagement and consultation with residents, local businesses, and community representatives to help shape the proposals.The feedback from the community consultation in Penarth was organised into six main themes:
- A Sustainable future for Streets and Open Spaces
- Public and sustainable transport
- Economic Vibrancy and Visitor Economy
- Traffic Management
- Health and Wellbeing Provision Improvements
- Connectivity Between Town Centre and Seafront
A range of project ideas have been presented to address each theme. These ideas range from enhancements to the town centre street scene, work to improve resources that highlight the history of Penarth to more opportunities for small businesses.
The plans categorise project ideas into short, medium, and long-term goals. While some initiatives can be implemented straight away, others are larger, more complex projects that will require time, the sourcing of additional funding, and collaboration between various partners to bring to fruition.
A Member of Penarth Youth Action, who was involved in shaping the plans, said: “It was a really insightful experience that brought the community together with the common goal to improve Penarth. The event was incredibly interesting as people from all backgrounds shared their opinions, especially on areas important to young people like the environment and public transportation.
“Young people’s voices matter – we are the generation who will inherit Penarth and young people have had the chance to voice their opinions on shaping the town and key topical issues. Overall, it was a lovely experience that helped share young people’s influence and shape the town we dearly love.”
A Spokesperson for Penarth Town Council said: “Penarth Town Council is pleased to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and their Creative Communities Team during the development of the Penarth Placemaking Plan.
“We believe that the Plan is the first step within the Placemaking Process, not the last, and look forward to seeing how it is utilised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and other local stakeholders to attract funding for development, to improve the town, and to build upon many of Penarth’s strengths as Wales’ Garden-by-the-Sea.”
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places said: “These plans are the product of genuine collaboration between the Council, Penarth Town Council, and the people who live and work in the town. It’s been fantastic to see so many individuals – especially young people – getting involved and sharing their ideas on how to make Penarth even better for the community.”
Each of the four towns in the Vale will have its own plan partly funded by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme which supports initiatives aimed at revitalising high streets and town centres.
The plan will now be used to help attract investment and funding opportunities for future town projects.
