Plans to improve Roath Park Dam by replacing the existing spillway, which is the waterfall beside the café, with a new wider and deeper spillway and adding a flood wall along the promenade have been published.
Cardiff Council is responsible for the lake’s maintenance and is required to undertake regular inspections (under the Reservoirs Act (1975)). The last inspection found that the spillway would not be large enough to withstand an extreme flooding event and improvements are therefore required.
The plans have been developed following a study by engineering consultancy company Arup to identify the best options for ensuring the future effectiveness of the Dam and the public are now being asked for their feedback.
Councillor Caro Wild, Cabinet Member for Climate Change said: “Climate change means we are likely to have more frequent and more intensive storms in Cardiff, so the dam spillway needs to be able to cope with the potential for these more extreme weather events.
“Roath Park is one of Cardiff’s most loved parks, and a full public engagement programme is underway prior to submitting a planning application in 2023, so that residents, businesses, and park users, are fully informed.
“The improvement works will ensure the future effectiveness of the dam so the park can continue to be enjoyed safely as the impacts of climate change become increasingly obvious.”
The closing date for feedback on the plans is Monday 9 January 2022.
