The Art Deco Penarth Pier Pavilion in Wales

Penarth Pier Pavilion

Regeneration of an Art Deco entertainment venue

Location
Wales
Client
Penarth Arts and Crafts Ltd

Purcell have revitalised the Art Deco space as an entertainment venue including a large internal flexible community arts space, multi-purpose educational, conference and retail spaces, café and cinema.

Penarth Pier Pavilion is an early example of an Art Deco ferro-concrete structure and unique in the UK. Originally a 4000sq ft entertainment venue, the building was in poor condition and little used.

The Art Deco Penarth Pier Pavilion in Wales

The contractor and a local charity recycled the original maple flooring and reused the building fabric as fixed furniture items within the building.

A high level of finish and quality was achieved overall and our understanding of the original building’s significance is evident.

The Art Deco Penarth Pier in Wales
The Art Deco Penarth Pier in Wales

The proposals underwent lengthy consultations with CADW and local conservation officers to develop a concept that ensured the building’s significant features were respected and enhanced by new interventions. We divided some of the internal spaces within the short ends of the building to allow for greater flexibility and a wider range of use. The defined proscenium arch and ribs were left exposed within the main hall to highlight the original building fabric.

Awards

  • RICS Project of the Year
  • RICS Wales Community Benefit Award
  • Pier of the Year
  • Considerate Contractor Scheme Bronze Award
  • National Trust Wales' Special Place

Location: Penarth, South Wales
Client: Penarth Arts and Crafts Ltd
Listing Status: Grade II, Conservation Area
Funding: HLF, Vale of Glamorgan, CADW, Getty Jun Foundation & others
Construction Value: £4.2m