**Fresh Vision Unveiled for Cosmeston Lakes: Plans for New Café, Visitor Centre and Expanded Leisure Events**
A new blueprint for the future of Penarth could see Cosmeston Lakes Country Park taking centre stage in the town’s development as a major leisure destination. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has officially approved a wide-ranging Placemaking Plan, aiming to breathe fresh life into Penarth and neighbouring towns, while drawing in private investment and backing for upcoming projects.
At the heart of the proposals sit ambitions to enhance visitor experiences at Cosmeston Lakes. Plans laid out on the council’s website show interest in expanding the current facilities, including establishing a new café and visitor centre. The intention, according to officials, is to create engaging spaces that will not only cater to both locals and tourists but also support the park’s upkeep and financial sustainability in the long term.
This push for expanded amenities and activities follows recent controversy surrounding the council’s decision to approve a pilot inflatable aqua park at Cosmeston Lake. The move attracted considerable opposition, with nearly 7,000 signatures gathered on a petition against the project. Despite these concerns, councillors argue that the introduction of such attractions may provide vital revenue streams, which could be reinvested into the country park to secure its future.
According to the Placemaking Plan, developing the café and visitor centre is seen as an essential step in “securing a sustainable future for a key attraction of local and regional significance.” Council representatives have stressed that additional revenue generated through new outdoor leisure events and activities could play a crucial part in maintaining and enhancing the park for years to come.
With the aqua park set to open on the eastern side of Cosmeston Lake in July, the local authority is keen to monitor the initiative closely. A formal review is planned for the end of September, after which a decision will be made on whether to invite tenders for a longer-term operator at the site. This evaluation period offers the council a chance to weigh up the benefits and challenges before committing to more extensive leisure ventures.
Beyond Cosmeston Lakes, the newly endorsed plan reflects broader aspirations for Penarth. Feedback from community consultations has contributed to a list of potential projects, including proposals for more public event spaces, improvements to active travel routes, a new local history trail, and upgrades to Penarth’s railway station. Other ideas include finding a lasting use for the historic Kymin, a permanent solution for alfresco hospitality along The Esplanade, and enhancing cultural activities at the iconic pier.
Similar placemaking strategies have been outlined for Llantwit Major and Cowbridge, while a dedicated plan for Barry is still being shaped and is expected to come before cabinet members in due course.
Councillor Mark Wilson, who holds responsibility for neighbourhood and building services, emphasised the provisional nature of the current plan. “This is very much a live document—it will evolve over time,” he noted. Stressing local ownership, Cllr Wilson explained that the initiative “belongs to the towns of Llantwit, Cowbridge, and Penarth respectively,” with the council primarily playing a supportive and catalytic role.
Further public consultations are anticipated as the placemaking plans progress, ensuring that community voices continue to be heard. The council believes these ongoing dialogues will be vital as Penarth and its neighbouring towns forge their futures and seek to balance economic development with preserving much-loved public spaces.
With developments at Cosmeston Lakes forming just one part of a much larger vision, residents and visitors alike are being encouraged to participate in the upcoming conversations that will shape the region’s journey in the years ahead.