Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will it happen?
A. We very much expect that it will and many people are working tirelessly to ensure that it does happen and that we can make our case to secure the necessary funding remaining by autumn and have a decision to go ahead by the end of the year.

Q. When will it open?
A. We recognise that a lot of work needs to take place before even the work of restoration begins but, following the decision to go ahead with the project, we believe that work will commence in summer 2010 and we hope to open the Pavilion in Spring 2011. In fact we are hoping that this truly iconic Welsh building will celebrate it’s official opening on St David’s Day in that year.

Q. Who owns the building?
A. Both the Pier and the Pavilion are owned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Q. Who will pay for it?
A. The renovation will be funded from a variety of sources and we already have approximately a third of the funding in place. The different funding sources include the Vale of Glamorgan Council, private and public funding as well as a grant which we hope to receive from the Heritage Lottery Fund. We are also actively seeking support from the local community and are considering ways in which they too can donate to the renovation of this much loved iconic building.

Q. Who will be responsible for running it?
A. Penarth Arts and Crafts Limited, the organisation which runs and manages the popular Washington Gallery will be responsible for the running of the building.

Q. What can I expect to be in the building?
A. There will be a variety of component parts to the finished building including a restaurant/bar, a visitor and heritage/learning centre, a maritime museum, a function/meeting room, a multi-purpose arena, an observation tower, an auditorium/cinema and a Café.

Q. Will the upkeep be expensive?
A. The architects and designers will ensure that the building complies with the very highest possible environmentally sound building materials and it will be built to ensure that the maintenance and upkeep will be minimal both in terms of time and money!

Q. Will I have to pay to get in?
A. As a rule entrance to the Pavilion and most component parts will be completely free of charge. Of course there will sometimes be occasions such as charity events and concerts/recitals for example where tickets are sold to cover the running of the event.

Q. Is the Pier in a fit state?
A. We understand from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, who are own the Pier, that the £1 million that was spent on its renovation has ensured it is in good shape.

Q. How will you decide who will run the restaurant, bar and café?
A. This will be decided by a tendering process to strict criteria which will be in keeping with the aspirations for excellence that we have for the building. This will ensure that the Pavilion gets the best possible facilities which will be enjoyed by all visitors to this iconic building.

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