Penarth Town Council have formally announced their intention to submit a bid to lease the iconic Kymin and its grounds.

They are inviting interested parties to submit "ideas, suggestions and comments" and say they intend to ensure the asset is "enjoyed by the people of Penarth".

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is offering a 99-year lease after deeming the property "surplus to requirements".

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".

Penarth Town Council Rhiannon Birch said the following in a statement:

"Penarth Town Council are pleased to announce that we are putting together a bid to lease the Kymin house and grounds, to be used and enjoyed by the people of Penarth.

"The basis of the bid is that the Kymin will be will an inclusive and accessible community facility for all residents of Penarth, and welcoming to our visitors," she continued.

"We have appointed an expert to write the bid, this is someone well respected in the field, and a Penarth resident.

"She will be seeking to engage with the community , both groups and individuals, so that the bid can reflect the wishes and needs of community.

"Ideas, suggestions and comments from interested parties are welcome, please direct these to [email protected]."

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 the value it adds to the community.

"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."