A community centre in Penarth left empty for two years could soon be refurbished and reopened under new plans.

The Kymin on Beach Road is currently empty, but the Vale of Glamorgan Council plans to manage the building in a similar way to how it runs Penarth Pier Pavilion.

The Vale council previously let the Kymin to Penarth Town Council. But after a funding dispute, the lease ended, and the Vale council planned to sell off the building on a long lease.

After a public backlash, the council u-turned last summer and dropped its plans to sell the Kymin.

Council bosses have now suggested the building could be used for business meetings, open-air theatre, community fairs, weddings, and food festivals.

Plans are already underway to host productions this summer of Peter Pan, The Pirates of Penzance, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Council bosses welcomed the progress during a cabinet meeting on Monday, March 14.

Councillor Kathyrn McCaffer, cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, said the initial refurbishment work includes making the building safe and protected from wind and rain. "We're investing to make sure the building stays watertight and secure and is fit for purpose," said Cllr McCaffer.

"We have a great relationship with a couple of local community groups who are already using the grounds of the Kymin, which is really encouraging."

According to the council, Penarth Pier Pavilion has generated an extra £70,000 income from the café, cinema screenings, weddings, and art sales since reopening in April last year.

The building has also hosted events for special events such as Halloween and Christmas, as well as arts and crafts sessions.