A Welsh landmark (From Penarth Times)

A Welsh landmark

PENARTH Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett gave the Penarth Times a guided tour of the new National Assembly for Wales building this week - to provide a "sneak preview" look at the interior of the spectacular Richard Rogers design.

The 41 million landmark building, which provides a new home for democracy in Wales, is situated in the heart of Cardiff Bay looking out over Penarth and the barrage.

It is now scheduled to be in use in November.

Lorraine said: "I like the building very much. If something is worth doing, it's worth doing properly.

"I know people will question the cost, but this is a building for the future of Wales which has a life expectancy of well over 100 years.

"The fact is that the Assembly is here to stay and more powers are likely to be devolved to us in 2007.

"The new Assembly building completes the Cardiff Bay jigsaw and sits perfectly next to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre - they complement each other wonderfully.

"I particularly like the overhanging roof at the front. It is lit up at night to give a floating effect.

"As Assembly Member for Cardiff South and Penarth, I am very proud to have this building in my constituency."

The extent of public involvement provided by the building has won widespread praise from politicians and architects.

Lorraine said: "There will be great facilities in the public gallery, which I think is very important.

"Each seat is equipped with a computer which can be used to access agendas, reports and background information as debates take place.

"The design is meant to reflect the transparency and openness in government the Assembly has succeeded in providing since its inception."

The building will have three levels, two of which will be open to the public.

Visitors to the Assembly will enter into a circular public space with breathtaking views across Cardiff Bay.

This space will also house a cafeteria.

This main hall's central area will also provide seating and information and access to the debating chamber gallery, designed to accommodate 100 members of the public and up to 30 representatives of the media.

The viewing galleries for the debating chamber and three committee rooms allow the public to follow Assembly debates live from behind a glass screen.

The public will also have access to a high-level observation area providing views through windows to the chamber below.

The chamber is the new building's centrepiece, and a piece of artwork - called The Assembly at the Heart of Wales - will be installed at its centre.

Lorraine said: "I love the circular design of the chamber.

"It has a far less confrontational atmosphere than Westminster where opposing sides line up against each other. There is a lovely warmth to it."

The building boasts an impressive range of environmental design features.