Placemaking plans for Penarth and Llantwit Major have now been uneviled by Vale of Glamorgan Council, whoch has been working with local groups and resdients to develop ideas on how to make them better places to work, live and visit.

The county council says the plans will be used to help attract and support future investment for projects that are a priority for local residents and businesses.

The Welsh Government has funded the development work for the Placemaking schemes through its Transforming Towns programme, which has included extensive consultation with the public, businesses and community groups. 

Penarth presentation

A community consultation with Penarth residents saw its feedback organised into six main themes, including:

• A sustainable future for streets and open spaces
• Public and sustainable transport
• Economic vibrancy and visitor economy
• Traffic management
• Health and wellbeing provision improvements
• Connectivity between the town centre and the seafront

Vale of Glamorgan Council said a range of project ideas had been raised to address each theme, such improving the street scene in the town centre, improving resources that highlight Penarth's history and more opportunities for the town's small businesses.

Penarth Youth Action were among the local community groups involved in creating the placemaking proposals.

One member said: "It was a really insightful experience that brought the community together with the common goal to improve Penarth."

"The event was incredibly interesting as people from all backgrounds shared their opinions, especially on areas important to young people like the environment and public transportation."

"Young people's voices matter - we are the generation who will inherit Penarth and young people have had the chance to voice their opinions on shaping the town and key topical issues."

"Overall, it was a lovely experience that helped share young people's influence and shape the town we dearly love."

A Penarth Town Council spokesperson added: "We believe that the plan is the first step within the placemaking process, not the last, and look forward to seeing how it is utilised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and other local stakeholders to attract funding for development, to improve the town, and to build upon many of Penarth's strengths as Wales' Garden-by-the-Sea."

Cllr Bronwen Brooks said: "It's been fantastic to see so many individuals – especially young people – getting involved and sharing their ideas on how to make Penarth even better for the community."

Llantwit Major presentation

The placemaking plan for Llantwit Major takes in three key themes:

• Making the most of Llantwit's amazing history, nature and culture
• Ensuring sure places in the town are easy for everyone to get to and enjoy
• Thriving aims to support local businesses and help the community stay strong, healthy and full of life for the future

Specific ideas include improvements to the town's public spaces, the beach and the area around the railway station, along with community facilities.

Cllr Dr Peter Dickson, Mayor of Llantwit Major, said: "I have been pleased to work with our town council staff, officers from the Creative Communities team at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Studio Myco who compiled the report."

"The process of Placemaking has formally laid out the aspirations of many of our town residents as to how the town could develop in the future."

"The likely benefits of their suggestions are plain to see, and it is encouraging that the final report also contains potential 'quick wins' which may not require significant capital spending."

Cllr Bronwen Brooks added: "The proposals celebrate the town's unique character while tackling the priorities that are important to the community, and I look forward to seeing how these plans unfold in the future."

Plans have already been unveiled for Cowbridge - and work in close to completion on the Barry scheme.