In the 1980s the then derelict Penarth Dock was
acquired by the Vale of Glamorgan Council for
redevelopment as a waterfront residential centre and
marina. Following the marina development Penarth
witnessed one of the major civil engineering feats
of the late 20th century with the construction of a
barrage between South Cardiff and Penarth, thus
creating a 500-acre freshwater lake permanently
covering the tidal mud flats and extending up the
Rivers Ely and Taff into the centre of Cardiff. The
marina now provides a safe berth for resident or
visiting craft and has 24 hour access via the
Cardiff Bay Barrage.
