Penarth: Making the Plan

📅 Date: 18 September 2025
📍 Location: Turner House, Penarth
🗣️ Who we spoke to: Community members, Deputy Mayor of Penarth, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council
Facilitators: Penarth Town Council & Vale of Glamorgan Council Officers

🙋 Type of engagement: Formal launch event with community discussion

Penarth officially launched its Placemaking Plan, setting out a vision to make the town more welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable. The event marked the start of the implementation phase, which begins in October when the Penarth Town Board meets for the first time. Project Teams will then develop initiatives using a mix of funding sources.

Comments from the event

• Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout for the Placemaking Plan launch in Penarth, and reflects the community’s passion for making Penarth a great place to live. “Placemaking is about more than just making physical improvements – it’s about creating places where people feel connected and valued. I’m excited to see how the community’s ideas will help shape the next chapter for the town.”
• Cllr Laura Rochefort, Penarth Town Council’s Deputy Mayor, said: “I would like to thank all those that attended the formal launch of the Placemaking Plan at Turner House. The event marked the beginning of the next phase of Placemaking within Penarth and we look forward to seeing how this plan provides opportunities for the Town Council and for the many community groups within Penarth to be involved within the development process.”

The launch was positive and well-attended, highlighting a shared commitment to making Penarth a sustainable, vibrant town for current and future generations.

Here you can read the Full Penarth Placemaking Plan.

📅 Date: 10–26 March 2025
📍 Location: Alleyways between St Paul’s Avenue flats, Hazel Road, and Lavernock Road, Penarth
🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local residents, Stanwell School pupils, parents/carers, community members
Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers, Vale Youth Team, Hurts So Good (local graffiti artists)
🙋 Type of engagement: Litter pick, on-site conversations, surveys, art workshops

The alleyways near St Paul’s Avenue were in need of improvement and often used as shortcuts to schools, shops, and GP surgeries. People said they felt unhappy about litter and avoided the route after dark.

What we did

• A litter pick was organised on 20 March with support from the Fire Station and Vale Youth Team and Vale Placemaking Officers.
• Spoke to residents during the activity about litter and safety concerns.
• Ran surveys over two weeks to understand how people use the alleyway and how they feel about it.
• Art workshops were delivered by Hurts So Good for Stanwell School Year 8 pupils.
• Stanwell Pupils took part in the Street Art Graffiti in the alley and finished off by Hurts so Good.

💬 Comments

“The amount of litter was depressing.”

“We use this route every day for school – it needs to look better.”

“The new artwork makes the alleyway feel cared for.”

📢 Summary

A huge thank you and well done to everyone involved in transforming the alleyway between St Paul’s Avenue, Hazel Road, and Lavernock Road!

Special shoutout to the talented Year 8 students from Stanwell School and graffiti artists Kyle and Ceri from Hurts So Good for their incredible artwork.

📅 Date: 26 November 2024

📍 Location of Engagement: Cogan Primary School, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Year 6 pupils (26 students)

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:
Informal one-to-one conversations using questionnaires to gather views on what pupils like about Penarth, what they don’t like, and what they would improve.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• What they like: Penarth Pier was the most popular feature, followed by Cosmeston, the local chip shop, and parks. Other mentions included the beach, skate park, recreation centre, and community spirit.
• What they don’t like: Busy town and traffic were the main negatives. Other concerns included rude people, outdated play equipment at Nursery Park, dark lanes, brambles near the recreation centre, and lack of bins.
• Improvements suggested:
  • Add football nets and improve pitches at the recreation centre
  • More bins, especially near recreation areas
  • Resurface and improve safety of Dolly Steps with lighting and CCTV
  • Upgrade skate park and parks (treehouse, slides)
  • More sports facilities (rugby pitches, basketball courts)
  • Rain shelters for homeless people
  • Better public transport and cheaper train tickets
  • Brighter, greener spaces and more shops
  • Indoor skate park and water park

💬 Comments

“Add football nets to goals by the recreation centre – we really need them.”

“Please remake the Dolly Steps – they need attention - add lighting and CCTV.”

“Penarth Pier is the best thing in town.”

“Nursery Park play equipment is outdated – needs improving.”

“More bins around the recreation centre – there’s too much rubbish.”

“Town is very busy and there’s too much traffic.”

📢 Summary
Year 6 pupils from Cogan Primary value Penarth’s pier, parks, and community spirit but raised concerns about traffic, safety, and lack of facilities. Their priorities include improving sports facilities, adding bins, and making parks more exciting. Safety improvements like lighting and CCTV for Dolly Steps were highlighted, alongside calls for better public transport and affordable leisure options. Feedback shows a strong desire for greener, safer, and more engaging spaces for young people.

📍 Location of Engagement: Stanwell School, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Year 7–11 pupils (17 students)

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officer

🙋 Type of engagement:
Informal one-to-one conversations using questionnaires to gather views on what pupils like about Penarth, what they don’t like, and what they would improve.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• What they like:
  • Green spaces and parks
  • Coastal features (pier, beach)
  • Coffee shops, restaurants, and library
  • Walkability and good transport links (two train stations)
  • Community spirit and friendly atmosphere
• What they don’t like:
  • Uneven pavements and potholes caused by tree roots
  • Lack of lighting on railway and clifftop paths
  • Insufficient bins for recycling and dog waste
  • Overflowing bins and gum on streets
  • Unreliable bus services and lack of bike-friendly roads
  • High house prices and income inequality
  • Limited sports facilities and activities for young people
• Improvements suggested:
  • Better lighting on railway path, clifftop paths, and public areas
  • More bins (including recycling and dog waste) and regular maintenance
  • Pedestrian-friendly areas and reduced car presence on the Esplanade
  • Wildlife-friendly features in parks (bug hotels, bird feeders)
  • More sports facilities (football pitches, astro turf, public swimming pool)
  • Improved pavements and bike-friendly roads

💬 Comments

“The pier is a great place to go with friends and family – easy to walk around town.”

“Improve lighting on the railway path and clifftop path.”

“The pavements are uneven.”

“Bins are quite poor – there should be more and different types for recycling.”

“We need more sports facilities like football pitches”

📢 Summary

Students from Stanwell School have expressed how much they value Penarth’s green spaces, coastal views, and strong community spirit. At the same time, they raised concerns about infrastructure, safety, and the lack of facilities available to young people.

Their key priorities include:

• Better street lighting to improve safety

• More bins to keep public areas clean

• Creating pedestrian-friendly routes and spaces

• Enhanced sports facilities for recreation and wellbeing

• Wildlife-friendly parks that support nature and sustainability

The feedback highlights a shared desire for Penarth to be a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive town, with spaces that encourage both recreation and environmental responsibility.

📅 Date: 3 October 2024

📍 Location of Engagement: Albert Road Primary School, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Year 5 pupils

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:
Informal one-to-one conversations using questionnaires to gather views on what pupils like about Penarth, what they don’t like, and what they would improve.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• What they like: Penarth Pier was the most popular feature, followed by their school (Albert Primary), Belle Vue Park, and local sweet shops (Umpa Lumpa). Parks, Cosmeston, and community spirit were also mentioned.
• What they don’t like: Most said “nothing,” but some mentioned litter, uneven pavements, Penarth Leisure Centre, private schools, and abandoned shops.
• Improvements suggested:
  • More parks/playgrounds and better play equipment
  • Waterpark and splash facilities
  • More bins and less litter
  • Diverse shops (Primark, frozen yoghurt shop, bubble tea, McDonald’s, KFC, Home Bargains)
  • Activity areas for fun (soft play, skate park, dance area)
  • Cleaner public toilets and improved pavements
  • Eco-friendly spaces and disability access

💬 Comments

“Penarth Pier – it’s the best thing in town.”

“Belle Vue Park is great – we need more parks like this.”

“Not enough play equipment in parks.”

“We need a waterpark and more places to have fun.”

“Too many abandoned shops – town needs modernising.”

“Add a frozen yoghurt shop and Primark!”

📢 Summary

Year 5 pupils told us how much they enjoy Penarth’s pier, parks, and their school. They would love to see more fun and inclusive spaces that reflect the needs of young people.

Their priorities include:

• Improving local parks with modern play equipment

• Introducing water-based attractions for families and children

• Expanding the variety of shops and activities aimed at younger residents

While most pupils had few complaints, some raised concerns about litter, uneven pavements, and the lack of modern facilities.

Overall, their feedback highlights a strong desire for:

• Vibrant, family-friendly spaces

• Affordable leisure options

• A cleaner, safer, and more welcoming town for children and families

This input will help shape plans to make Penarth even more exciting and inclusive for the next generation.

📅Date: 18th - 22 February 2025

📍Location: The Pier Pavillion and West House, Penarth

The Penarth Draft Placemaking Plan consultation involved over a week of discussions and engagement with the residents of Penarth.

Attendees could view the draft plan and main objectives and meet the team to discuss ideas and share feedback with the Placemaking team.

📢 What we did : To make sure everyone had a chance to get involved, we engaged the community across multiple locations in Penarth (the Library, Leisure Centre, Belle Vue and Big Fresh in the Pier). Within locations featured hard copy the surveys with QR codes and copy of about the draft Placemaking Plan.

This information was also available online, so everyone had a chance to have their say, and take time to think about their feedback on the opportunities areas for Penarth.

📅 Date: 9 September 2024

📍 Location of Engagement: Paget Rooms, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Invited evening discussion session - stakeholder group including business representatives, Civic Society members, councillors, and youth representatives

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:
Open discussion during an invited workshop focused on placemaking priorities for Penarth.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• Infrastructure & Accessibility: Pavements need improvement; more seating for older people.
• Parking & Connectivity: One-hour parking limit often insufficient; unclear signage; suggestion for a parking app; Park and Ride to link key areas (Leisure Centre, Marina, Cosmeston, shopping streets).
• Town Centre Vibrancy: Marketing Penarth’s USP (“Garden by the Sea”); improved public realm; health hub to boost footfall; idea for a business incubator.
• Banking & Services: Loss of banks; call for a community banking hub.
• Culture & Events: More festivals and cultural events; better promotion (e.g., banners, QR codes); digital noticeboard for events.
• Youth Provision: Affordable activities like a cheap cinema; concerns about safety on public transport.
• Climate & Sustainability: Need to integrate Climate Emergency and Project Zero goals into plans.
• Heritage: Civic Society working on Heritage Trail; seeking funding independently.

💬 Comments

“Penarth’s pavements need improving, and more seating is needed for older people.”

“Marketing Penarth’s USP ‘the garden by the sea’ is important – plus improved connectivity and public realm.”

“Parking signage is unclear – could a parking app be introduced?”

“Would be good to have more cultural events and better promotion – banners on Windsor Road for festivals.”

“Important to include response to Climate Emergency within any plan for the town.”

“More should be done to better connect different areas of the town – maybe some kind of Park and Ride could be introduced.”

📢 Summary
Stakeholders value Penarth’s identity and want to enhance its accessibility, vibrancy, and sustainability. Key priorities include improving pavements, seating, and parking; better connectivity between town areas; and creating spaces for cultural events and affordable youth activities. There is strong interest in marketing Penarth’s unique character, introducing a banking hub, and integrating climate goals. Feedback also highlighted the need for clearer parking signage, digital event promotion, and heritage preservation.

📅 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.

📅 Date: 28 August 2024

📍 Location of Engagement: St Luke’s Avenue, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Individuals using the food pod

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers and Food Share volunteer

🙋 Type of engagement:
Informal one-to-one conversations using questionnaires to gather views on what people value about Penarth, what could be improved, and future priorities.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• Community Spirit: Strong sense of support among residents; appreciation for local food pod.
• Natural Environment: Beaches, parks, and open spaces highly valued.
• Walkability: Town praised for being easy to navigate on foot.
• Infrastructure Needs: More public bins and dog waste bins; improved parking facilities; bus shelter near main road for better transport access.
• Safety Concerns: Questions about CCTV
• Public Transport: Long waits for buses; reliance on multiple buses for basic trips (e.g., to Asda).

💬 Comments

“Community spirit – we help each other.”

“Penarth needs building up again – I feel it’s lost its appeal and gone downhill.”

“Bus shelter needed by main road bus stop – we get soaked waiting.”

📢 Summary
Participants expressed appreciation for Penarth’s community feel, natural beauty, and walkability. However, they raised concerns about cleanliness, safety in residential areas, and transport accessibility. Suggestions included adding more bins, improving parking, installing a bus shelter. While residents value their town, they feel Penarth has “lost its appeal” and want improvements to infrastructure and services to restore its vibrancy.

📅 Date: 30 July 2024

📍 Location of Engagement: Cwrt Y Vil Field, Penarth

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Around 30 young people attending the sports festival, plus a few parents and wellbeing service staff

Facilitators: Vale Youth Service and Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:
Informal one-to-one conversations using questionnaires during the sports festival to gather views on what young people like about Penarth, what could be improved, and future priorities.

🚀 Emerging Themes

• Parks & Green Spaces: Parks and the pier were the most valued features; Cosmeston and Belle Vue Park also mentioned.
• Youth Facilities: Strong demand for more MUGAs, skate parks, and youth clubs (including ALN provision).
• Infrastructure & Amenities: Need for more public toilets, water refill stations, and affordable food options.
• Activities & Events: Requests for community events, cinema, watersports, aqua park, splash pad, and outdoor gyms.
• Safety & Maintenance: Concerns about Cogan Park and calls for better maintenance of existing parks.
• Town Centre & Seafront: Suggestions for more entertainment and catering on the pier; seafront seen as underutilized.

💬 Comments

“More public toilets and water fountains – especially in parks.”

“Cogan Park – needs updating.”

“We need a youth club with gaming, music, and entertainment.”

“Something down the seafront – cinema and more catering space on the pier.”

“See Pontypridd Lido Park for a good example – zipline and trampolines.”

“Things are expensive for 11-year-olds and above – not much for them to do.”

📢 Summary
Young people value Penarth’s parks, pier, and green spaces but feel there is a lack of facilities and activities for older children and teenagers. Key priorities include more MUGAs, skate parks, youth clubs, and improved park maintenance. Infrastructure improvements such as public toilets, water refill stations, and affordable food options were highlighted. There is also interest in making the seafront more vibrant with entertainment and alternative catering offerings. Overall, feedback shows a desire for inclusive, well-maintained spaces and affordable activities to keep young people engaged locally.