View from Penarth: International Sports Village plans (From Penarth Times)

View from Penarth: International Sports Village plans

7:40am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News By Robert James Owen

THE view from Penarth will soon be set to change, with the announcement of the next phase of development of the International Sports Village’ (ISV) - just across Pont y Werin bridge.

Design work is to start immediately on the development, which will include a 150-metre snow slope and 50-metre nursery slope, a twin ice-pad arena - the new home of the Cardiff Devils - shops, bars and restaurants, a hotel and new homes.

Cardiff Council has chosen development group Helium Miracle 113 to progress the plans.

They say the development will take place in phases, with the new ice arena and ski slope programmed to be delivered first - in time for the 2013/14 ice hockey season - followed by a multi-storey car park, hotel, bars, restaurants, other sports and leisure facilities and sports-related retail.

The entire project is expected to be finished within five years of starting.

Cardiff Council Leader Rodney Berman said: "We said we would deliver a new ice rink for Cardiff and I am extremely pleased that these plans are moving forward.

“The new twin pad rink with spectator seating, bars and cafeterias will be the new home for the Cardiff Devils. It will also be another cornerstone of the International Sports Village, which is key within the Council’s plans to further enhance Cardiff’s reputation as an international capital and a major tourist destination."

Paul Ragan, owner and CEO of the Cardiff Devils said: "This is fabulous news for the Cardiff Devils, the Devils Community Foundation and future development of all ice sports throughout South Wales.

“It’s the news our passionate fans and growing junior section have been waiting for.”

Already on the ISV site are the 50-metre international-standard swimming pool, the international white-water facility, and a temporary ice rink, while infrastructure improvements have included Pont y Werin which links Penarth to the site, and the Bay walkway.

And the development news has been given a cautious welcome by representatives on the Penarth side.

Alwyn Evans, former secretary of the Penarth Marina and Haven Residents Association, said: “We have always welcomed development from the other side, so long as it is in keeping with the feel of the area.

“This would seem to be something that would be hugely beneficial.

“It will be good to see the ice hockey given a more permanent and befitting home – it’s been a long time coming," he added.

"I think it will be good not just for Cardiff but also for this part of the Vale of Glamorgan.”

St Augustine ward councillor Sophie Williams said the impact of the development on the lives of residents in Penarth Marina was her priority.

“The impression I get from youth groups and the younger generations is that they see this as a very good thing, especially with the access from Pont y Werin,” she said.

“But it remains to be seen how it will impact on the marina.

“Visual impact, noise and increased traffic are just some of the issues to be considered, and we fully intend to make sure the views of our residents are represented and considered.

“It’s about protecting our residential area at the end of the day, and making sure that the quality of life of our residents is not compromised.”

Cardiff South and Penarth Assembly Member Vaughan Gething said the project could be a real asset to the area, but issues around infrastructure need to be carefully considered.

“If done properly, finishing the sports village development should be a real benefit to Penarth,” he said.

“It is in no-one's interest for the remaining vacant land to stay that way.

"The many Cardiff Devils fans in Penarth will be keen to see a permanent home for one of the nation's most successful sporting teams," he added.

"However, careful thought has to be given to more than just leisure facilities and housing in the proposed development. The infrastructure and transport links are of key importance to Penarth.

"I'll look in more detail at the proposed plans and continue to discuss these with residents, businesses and Cardiff Council.”

Penarth MP Alun Michael added: "It is good news that things are moving at last in Cardiff Bay, but these announcements come after several years in which little progress was made by Cardiff Council.

"We have had promises and pretty pictures before, so I want assurances that this time we will see real progress without delay.

"These developments are important for Penarth as well as for Cardiff in terms of bringing jobs and growth in the local economy."