Penarth Pavilion Project: £1.75 million decision day nears (From Penarth Times)

Penarth Pavilion Project: £1.75 million decision day nears

7:50am Thursday 26th May 2011 in Latest news By Robert James Owen

DECISION day is looming for the Penarth Pavilion Project – when campaigners will find out if their application for £1.75 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been successful.

Penarth Arts and Crafts (PACL) Leader Maggie Knight has spoken of her optimism ahead of the big decision, with an announcement expected next week.

If awarded, the funding would mean construction could finally start on the attempt to breathe new life into the iconic building.

Ms Knight said it was 'make or break' time.

“This is the most significant grant for us as it will be the one that sets the tone for the development,” she said.

“It's key because not only will it provide a large amount of the money needed, it will also bring the project full circle from the HLF's initial support way back in 2006.

“It will give the project the final bit of impetus it needs to get the ball really rolling.

“And it will really kick the development into overdrive, with big changes just around the corner - if we are successful.”

The ambitious redevelopment of the 1929-built Grade II listed building would see a range of activities on offer to the public, including educational programmes, film showings, festivals, and exhibitions amongst other activities.

It would also house information about the natural and social history of the area and the pavilion itself which was a centre of town activity 70 years ago, as well as child-care provision, a restaurant and cafe.

The re-opening of the derelict site is expected to make a huge difference to Penarth, attracting more tourists to the town.

“We want the project to be very inclusive and that is one of its main attractions for us,” added Ms Knight.

“It will be a community programme that offers something for everyone - from schoolchildren to the elderly.

“We really want to impress the public with what we can offer inside and we really think it's got something special about it.

“We are very optimistic about the HLF decision and the feedback so far has been very positive.”

PACL has also recently submitted a bid to the Community Asset Transfer for £730,000, in anticipation of a successful decision next week.

Further support for the project has also been pledged by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in the form of £800,000 - pending the HLF announcment.

Council leaders agreed at a recent cabinet meeting to a detailed set of funding and lease provisions in support of the £3.9 million scheme, which will see them provide PACL with revenue support for the first five years of its operation.

Councillor Rhodri Traherne, Cabinet member for economic development and regeneration said: “The approval by the council of the basic lease terms and funding arrangements shows its commitment to the regeneration of the Pier Pavilion for the longer term.

“This project already has a wide basis of public support and a positive decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund, further to this positive decision by council, should bring the PACL vision for the building one step closer.

“We hope that this wonderful project could be commencing within the next six to eight months.”

Maggie Knight said it was another bit of good news.

“The fact that the local authority have said they will hold that money for us is another big boost,” she said.

“The support the Vale has given us is great.”