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The Kymin's future still undecided

Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at 11:12

By Ted Peskett - Local Democracy Reporter X @TedPeskettNews

VOG Council

The future of a much-loved Penarth building is still being considered years after plans to turn it into a restaurant or hotel fell through.

Vale Council decided to advertise a lease to run The Kymin in 2020 following a funding dispute with Penarth Town Council.

But the county council later decided against this plan and it was reported in 2022 that the building could be run in a similar way to the nearby Penarth Pier Pavilion which is now managed by the local authority.

At the time it was suggested the building, dating back to the late 1700s or early 1800s, could be used for business meetings, open-air theatre, community fairs, weddings, and food festivals.

Council leader Lis Burnett said: "The Kymin is a well-regarded landmark building in Penarth and in recent years the grounds have been used regularly by community groups for a variety of events and activities, with its gardens one of several open spaces within the Penarth conservation area."

“The council is considering the future of the Kymin. We are currently developing a place plan for Penarth, with drop-in events due to begin next week, and the Kymin buildings and grounds form a part of this process."

“All interested parties are encouraged to take part in our placemaking work as the council looks at how Penarth will adapt in years to come.”

Penarth Town Council operated The Kymin house and a proportion of the grounds from 1982.

It surrendered the lease for the site in March 2020 and control reverted back to the county council in April that same year.

The grounds have remained open to the public and they are maintained by Vale Council’s parks department.

When asked why it has taken so long to determine the future of The Kymin, a Vale Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We want to get this decision right and so we are taking time to properly consider the views of the wider public before committing to a way forward.”

The first of a number of drop-in sessions about the future of Penarth is being held at Penarth Pier Pavilion on Tuesday between 10.30am and 5pm.

Further drop-in sessions are being held this week at

  • West House, Stanwell Road on Wednesday (10.30am – 7pm)
  • Penarth Pier Pavilion on Thursday (10.30am – 3pm)
  •  West House, Stanwell Road on  (10.30am – 5pm)

The Kymin Gardens are considered one of several important open spaces within the Penarth conservation area.

The house itself is not listed, but is identified as a “county treasure” by the council.

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