Efforts to transform the Grade II-listed Penarth Pier Pavilion into a multi-use leisure facility have secured funding and lease provisions from the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VGC).

Members of the local authority's cabinet agreed to support Penarth Arts and Crafts (PACL) in its £3.9m bid to revitalise the historic property and has set aside £800,000 worth of funding. VGC will also provide revenue support for the first five years of the new centre's operation, and comes as the scheme was awarded £1.65m by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

PACL's plans for Penarth Pier Pavilion - backed by councillors earlier this year - will see a cinema space and gallery area created, as well as a heritage space and a casual restaurant. VGC cabinet member for economic development and regeneration Rhodri Traherne said: "With further funding decisions from the Big Lottery Fund and other grant sources expected later in the summer, we hope that this wonderful project could be commencing within the next six to eight months."

Image: Colin Smith