Residents’ Drop-In – Penarth Placemaking in the Paget Rooms


📅 Date: 09 September 2024

📍 Location of Engagement: Paget Rooms, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local residents

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement: Open drop-in session inviting comments under five key themes: green infrastructure, public transport, traffic management, health and wellbeing, connectivity, and economic vibrancy.

🚀 Emerging Themes

  • Green Infrastructure & Heritage: Strong appreciation for parks and trees; concerns about loss of street trees, poor maintenance, and pavement damage from roots. Calls for tree replacement, biodiversity projects, and better signage for historic sites.
  • Public Transport & Connectivity: Desire for improved bus services (including to Llandough Hospital and Cardiff Bay), reinstatement of Sunday services, and better links between town centre and seafront. Suggestions for electric shuttle buses, park-and-ride schemes, and safer walking/cycling routes.
  • Traffic & Safety: Concerns about dangerous crossings (Hickman Road, Windsor Road), congestion, and lack of pedestrian-friendly spaces. Calls for pedestrianisation of town centre and Esplanade, one-way systems, and improved crossings.
  • Health & Wellbeing: Need for more GP surgeries, a centrally located health hub, and mental health support for young people. Suggestions for community events, warm spaces, and better pavements for accessibility.
  • Economic Vibrancy: Calls for more diverse retail, pop-up shops, and cultural events. Desire to revive farmers markets, improve gateways to town, and promote Penarth’s USP as “Garden by the Sea.” Suggestions for outdoor seating, parklets, and co-working spaces.

💬 Comments

“The old railway track should be extended to Sully – the land is there and unused.”

“Penarth’s pavements need replacing.”

“We need a banking hub – why should residents go to Cardiff for basic services?”

“Make the Esplanade pedestrian only – it would transform the seafront.”

“More GP surgeries – two for 25,000 people is not enough.”

“Bring back farmers markets – they would bring people into town.”

“Better lighting on paths and crossings – safety is a big issue.”

“Pop-up stores and food stalls on the seafront would make it vibrant.”


📢 Summary

Residents have told us how much they value Penarth’s green spaces, coastal setting, and strong sense of community. At the same time, concerns have been raised about infrastructure, transport, and the vibrancy of the town centre.

Key priorities identified include:

  • Upgrading pavements and walkways

  • Replacing trees that have been lost

  • Improving transport links and creating more pedestrian-friendly routes

There is also strong enthusiasm for cultural events, pop-up retail opportunities, and sustainable initiatives that strengthen Penarth’s identity as the “Garden by the Sea.”

Community feedback highlights the importance of:

  • Accessible and inclusive health services

  • Safer streets for all residents

  • Creative approaches to boost economic vitality and encourage community engagement

Together, these priorities will help shape a thriving, sustainable, and welcoming future for Penarth.