Penarth Pier's Makeover

Clare was busy in the morning with the school summer fair, so I lazed around at home until she returned, enjoying the superb warm weather. Late afternoon we drove to Penarth, walked along the coast path and walked on the shore not far from Lavernock Point, looking out towards Flatholm and Steepholm.

We'd parked the car near Cioni's restaurant up on the cliff above the promenade, and when we returned, we decided to walk down as far as the pier in search of a drink before returning home for supper. It must be a good few months since we came here last. I was surprised and delighted to discover that restoration work on the pier is progressing at a pace. In fact, there's an open day on the twentieth of this month. The roof has been stripped and re-clad with stainless steel tiles and the walls are painted white. Gone is the horrid green paint which made it look institutional and dated. It's strikingly attractive, or at least it will be when all the scaffolding is down. The pier is open as usual to strollers, consumers of ice cream, fast foods and drinks. I had a decent cup of fresh coffee, and Clare had a herb tea. It's becoming quite classy again - a well thought out uplift for a much loved 20th century social landmark. This is how the pier looked before renovation started.

And this is how it's going to look from now on, all silvery and white.

Hearty congratulations to all who have fought to keep the pier, and raise funds for the makeover. I can imagine that it'll once more be well used as a desireable venue in this age of leisure.