The Vale of Glamorgan Council has posted an invitation on its website for lease bids for the iconic Kymin and its grounds.

The winning bidder will be awarded a 99-year lease. The marketing brief states that the "existing building should be retained and that the future use of the house and gardens will be limited to community, hotel and restaurant type uses".

In the context of widespread criticism of Penarth Arts and Crafts Ltd's management of its 125-year lease of the Pier Pavilion, some have nervously speculated that the Kymin could fall into the wrong hands for almost a century.

However, the Vale of Glamorgan Council have consistently given its assurances that the winning bidder will be chosen according to its community value.

"The criteria is that the bidder has to prove they will maintain is to a high standard and provide value to the town. If they can't do that then we will not accept any bids," said Vale of Glamorgan Council Deputy Leader Cllr Lis Burnett.

"This is not about making money it's about bringing a much-loved building back into beneficial use."

Indeed, the marketing brief clearly states that financial considerations will be given just 30% weight in the decision-making process.

The "business plan" (including financial forecasts and "added value") will be given 50% weight, while "economic, environmental and social regeneration" considerations will make up the final 20%.

The deadline for submitting tender bids is 12 Noon on Friday 09 April 2021

For the full marketing briefing and details on how to apply, follow THIS LINK.