A new venture is set to breathe fresh life into one of Cardiff’s most picturesque yet understated green spaces, as Cardiff Council launches a search for an operator to establish a café at Cefn Onn Park. The initiative forms a key component in ongoing efforts to further enhance the facilities and draw greater numbers of visitors to this hidden gem on the city’s outskirts.
Located in Lisvane and known formally as Parc Cefn Onn, the park enjoys a tranquil setting at the city’s northern edge, bordering Caerphilly Mountain. While widely recognised by local walkers and nature enthusiasts, Cefn Onn Park remains less prominent in the public eye compared to some of Cardiff’s larger and busier parks. The council’s latest move is intended to shine a spotlight on the park’s unique character.
The proposal focuses on converting a former caretaker’s bungalow near the main entrance of the park into a café, with the additional benefit of a small outdoor area that could be adapted for seating. The council expects the future operator to both refurbish the bungalow and take on its management via a formal lease, continuing the site’s legacy in a contemporary way.
Councillor Jennifer Burke, cabinet member for culture, parks and events, emphasised the council’s vision for the park: “Parc Cefn Onn is truly a stunning location, and considerable work has gone into making it more accessible and welcoming. From upgrading toilet facilities to restoring historical features, these improvements underpin our desire for more people to enjoy outdoor spaces like this one. The introduction of a café is the next logical step in this journey.”
Legal notices have already been issued, detailing the ‘disposal’—a legal term in this context meaning the granting of a lease—of approximately 172.5 square metres of land for the project. Importantly, ownership of the land and facilities will remain firmly with Cardiff Council, ensuring the park’s public character is preserved.
Full information regarding the operator opportunity is scheduled for release in early July, with the details to appear on Cardiff Council’s property website and via property agent Fletcher Morgan. Interested parties are invited to come forward, with the expectation that the future café will contribute positively to the community and the park’s wider appeal.
Steeped in a rich history, Cefn Onn Park was laid out over a century ago by Ernest Prosser, a director of the Rhymney Valley Railway, for the wellbeing of his son Cecil, who reportedly struggled with tuberculosis. The park boasts a summerhouse, pond, and a celebrated woodland garden established after 1944. Local wildlife abounds in the landscape, which features a curated collection of native and exotic trees, making the park a draw for both botanists and families alike.
Recent investments include a substantial £454,000 National Lottery grant awarded in 2014, which facilitated significant upgrades. These included a new boardwalk, improved access for disabled visitors, improved car parking, and refurbished toilet facilities. The funding also provided for an innovative scheme allowing less able-bodied visitors to borrow all-terrain mobility scooters, thereby widening access to the park’s natural beauty.
With its scenic pathways, connections to Caerphilly Mountain’s footpath network, and its status as a Grade II listed country park, Cefn Onn presents an enticing prospect for a café operation. The council’s efforts to elevate the park’s profile stand to benefit residents and visitors alike, offering an inviting space for relaxation, exploration, and now, perhaps, a cup of coffee amidst serene surroundings.
As the search begins for an innovative café operator, anticipation is building over how this venture might serve to further unlock Cefn Onn’s potential as a community hub and destination within Cardiff’s wider network of parks. The project is one to watch, promising both a boost for local amenities and renewed appreciation for the city’s green heritage.