Penarth Civic Society
Cymdeithas Ddinesig Penarth
formerly The Penarth Society
Welsh Government Placemaking
Penarth
What is Placemaking?
to put it simply, Placemaking is a Welsh Government Initiative to provide pots of money to all towns & cities in Wales to help fund various local, Transforming Towns projects, schemes and initiatives that can be of benefit to that location. The proviso for doing this however is that these ideas must be "Community-Led" on their creating, development and actions.
You can find out more about Placemaking by visiting the Design Commission for Wales website*
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There are 6 main criteria for proposing a project (information taken from DFCW* -pdf)​
​People and Community
The local community are involved in the development of proposals. The needs, aspirations, health and well-being of all people are considered at the outset. Proposals are shaped to help to meet these needs as well as create, integrate, protect and/or enhance a sense of community and promote equality.
Location
Places grow and develop in a way that uses land efficiently, supports and enhances existing places and is well connected. The location of housing, employment and leisure and other facilities are planned to help reduce the need to travel.
Movement
Walking, cycling and public transport are prioritised to provide a choice of transport modes and avoid dependence on private vehicles. Well designed and safe active travel routes connect to the wider active travel and public transport network and public transport stations and stops are positively integrated.
Mix of Uses
Places have a range of purposes which provide opportunities for community development, local business growth and access to jobs, services and facilities via walking, cycling or public transport. Development density and a mix of uses and tenures helps to support a diverse community and vibrant public realm.
Public Realm
Streets and public spaces are well defined, welcoming, safe and inclusive with a distinct identity. They are designed to be robust and adaptable with landscape, green infrastructure and sustainable drainage well integrated. They are well connected to existing places and promote opportunities for social interaction and a range of activities for all people.
Identity
The positive, distinctive qualities of existing places are valued and respected. The unique features and opportunities of a location including heritage, culture, language, built and natural physical attributes are identified and responded to.
How are We involved?
Councils, constituted Groups & Organisations, various businesses and more within Wales have signed the Placemkaing Charter to show a commitment towards helping to deliver it. (you can view the list of signatories via the DCFW website link above). We have signed this, as have several other Penarth based organisations, groups, businesses and more... The Vale of Glamorgan Council & Penarth Town Council are also committed, and are the primary means of managing it for Penarth (and in the case of the VoGC, for the towns of Barry, Llantwit Major & Cowbridge, and the rest of The Vale).
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You can find out more about the Vale of Glamorgan Council's* and Penarth Town Council's* involvement by clicking these links.
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Since 2022, we, have all been attending various consultations, meetings and discussions about what we would like to see help transform our town. In September of 2025, the full proposed plan was officially launched. You can download a copy (58mb PDF) here*
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There are many projects within the proposal, many of which we have had a hand in getting them included, and will look to support them, and the other organisations of the town that may be involved with developing them too.
Page 37 of the document is of particular interest, as this is about our very own Penarth Town Heritage Trail
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September 2025 onwards
Now that the plans have been officially launched, we will be taking part in further discussions and planning sessions with the VoGC to help start rolling out the projects. For updates on what is happening, follow us all on social media, our websites and via local news outlets.