The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has given the green light to Penarth Arts and Crafts Ltd (PACL) to work up its plans to refurbish and restore the Grade II Penarth Pavilion which sits on one of only seven pleasure piers left in Wales.  Development funding of £99,600 was awarded to help progress the community organisation’s plans. 

The HLF first-round pass* means PACL progresses to the next stage of the HLF application process. It now has up to two years to submit more detailed plans and apply for the £1.6million of HLF support for the £3.9million project which will restore the popular, all concrete Pavilion as a focus for heritage and community activities.  

Constructed in 1929, the ferro-concrete structure has an impressive silhouette with curved roof and eastern-style towers. The interior space is characterised by a vaulted ceiling but the building has fallen into disrepair. Restoration plans aim to respect the building’s historical significance and introduce sustainable design to protect and safeguard the building.

Overwhelming community interest has already given the project tremendous impetus. Research undertaken by PACL supports a programme which will deliver many opportunities to find out more about the history of the building and the town of Penarth.l The Bristol Channel on which the building and pier stand in itself provides a fascinating maritime past and with its huge tidal variation a potential site for alternative energy. Such contemporary environmental concerns will be used as the base for an extensive range of informal and formal educational activities crossing subjects including the marine environment and sea transport. 

PACL is already working with a number of local agencies to explore alternative transport and work towards a sustainable seafront strategy.

Volunteers are expected to play a leading role in the management of the reopened Pavilion. Volunteers will help guide tourists around the building and give both the older and new generation opportunities to enjoy a  splendid space whilst learning about their own history and simply enjoying  the pier experience throughout the year. The volunteer maritime surveillance body, Coastwatch will also have a permanent station.

The business plan includes revenue from conferences, exhibitions and meetings, while the Pavilion’s significant position makes it an obvious focus for many contemporary environmental concerns.  The theme will be used as the base for an extensive range of informal and formal educational activities crossing

The project will be good news for lovers of the Penarth Pier, which is used year round by local people, visitors from the paddle-steamers that sail around the coast and the clutch of fishermen who comein all seasons. The pier was refurbished with HLF funding in the late 1990’s and is one of the main attractions for the town.

Commenting on the award, Maggie Knight of PACL said: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given this initial support for the project. This will have a major impact on the continued development of Penarth and will bring huge cultural, social, economic and tourism benefits for the town and South Wales as a whole.”

Dan Clayton Jones, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales, said:
”This project aims to restore one of South Wales’ iconic landmarks to its former glory for the benefit of local people and visitors alike. The proposed redevelopment of the Pavilion will create a focal point for community activities as well as providing opportunities to learn more about our maritime, natural and social heritage. What’s more, it is fundamental to the regeneration of the town’s seafront.  As such we have awarded a development grant in recognition of the project’s potential and the benefits it could bring to the area. There is huge competition for our grants so PACL now need to develop their plans fully in order to compete for a firm award.”

For further information, please contact
Amanda Nix at Penarth Arts & Crafts Ltd on 02920712100

Notes to Editors:

*A first-round pass means the project meets our criteria for funding and we believe it has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals.

However, a first-round pass does not guarantee the applicant will receive a grant as the second-round application will still be in competition for funding, and no money is set aside at this stage.  Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.’

On occasion an applicant with a first-round pass will also be awarded development funding towards the development of their scheme.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  HLF has supported more than 28,800 projects, allocating over £4.3billion across the UK.  Website: www.hlf.org.uk