Placemaking plans for Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and Penarth have been officially launched.

Vale of Glamorgan Council says it's been working with residents and the three town councils to develop ideas on how to make each of the centres better places to work, live and visit.

Work is continuing on a fourth Placemaking plan for Barry.

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. 

Cowbridge

Cowbridge Town Hall played host to an event marking the launch of the town's placemaking plan, which includes four key objectives

• Celebrating the town's heritage to bring activity and vibrancy back to the High Street
• Connecting key areas of the town through the High Street
• Emphasising the importance of Cowbridge's green spaces
• Proposing public realm improvements to encourage visitors and locals to explore and spend more time in the town

Vale of Glamorgan Council said it had received "wide ranging feedback and ideas from residents and local groups" towards the proposals, which focus on celebrating Cowbridge's unique character while improving connectivity and supporting local shops and services.

One of the community groups involved in shaping the plans is With Music in Mind, which looks to tackle loneliness and isolation among older people.

Sarah, who works at the charity's Cowbridge branch, said: "Having the opportunity to engage in the consultation phase was important to support the voice of older people to ensure Cowbridge remains a beautiful, safe and sociable place to live, for everyone."

"I think this type of initiative is essential to ensure that towns are developed through the thoughts and wishes of their residents."

The plans range from short to long term goals - and while some ideas can be introduced straight away, more complex projects will need time, additional funding and collaboration to make them a reality.

Cllr Geraint Baty, who was recently elected as Cowbridge's new mayor, said the town council had been working with Vale of Glamorgan Council on the placemaking plan for the last two years.

He added: "This plan is the result of true community collaboration, setting out a shared vision for a vibrant, sustainable and people-centred future for this historic town."

"We believe it will unlock significant opportunities to enhance our unique character, support local businesses, and create spaces where everyone can thrive in the coming years."

Cllr Bronwen Brooks, deputy leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council, added: "By listening closely to the community and valuing their ideas, we are creating a future for Cowbridge that celebrates its unique heritage, strengthens connections with the rest of the Vale and fosters a vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone in the town."

Llantwit Major

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."

Penarth

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."