First Placemaking Projects Taking Shape
Bear Field Skate Park in Cowbridge is set for a major upgrade as one of the first projects linked to the Vale of Glamorgan’s new Placemaking Plans starts to take shape
The scheme, developed jointly by the Vale Council and Cowbridge and Llanblethian Town Council, will also see the nearby Scansis football pitch refurbished and comes after consultation with local young people identified this area as a priority.
Further community engagement on the initial design for the new skate park will take place at Cowbridge Leisure Centre between 3:30pm and 6:30pm on February 10, while residents can also share their views online.
Placemaking Plans have been published for Cowbridge, Penarth and Llantwit Major - with one for Barry nearing completion - and projects will soon also start being agreed for these areas.
A project to create a new footpath along Police Fields in Cowbridge is another underway, with people also able to contribute to that consultation.
The Placemaking Plans have been developed following input from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, respective Town Councils and a range of other stakeholders.
Cowbridge is the first area to see the fruit of this work as Section 106 funding, secured from nearby housing developments for community improvements, was available to spend on suitable projects.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “I’m delighted that the first series of projects connected to a town Placemaking Plan is starting to come together.
“These plans are the result of an extensive programme of engagement and consultation with residents, local businesses, and community representatives. This has helped shape proposals aimed at transforming their communities into vibrant, welcoming and resilient places to live, work, and visit.
“This is about putting our communities first – actively engaging with residents, local businesses and community stakeholders and asking them about their ideas, priorities and hopes for the future.
“Placemaking is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating spaces that people feel proud of - places where you want to spend time, where businesses can grow, and where communities can thrive.
“Through countless conversations, events and surveys in Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge, we’ve listened carefully to what matters most to people in each town.
“The plans will break down projects into short, medium, and long-term goals. Some can be put into action quickly, while others will be bigger, more complex projects that take time, additional funding and collaboration from different partners to bring to life.
“At the heart of these plans is a shared ambition - held by everyone who took the time to shape them - to make sure our communities remain vibrant, resilient, and truly people-centred places for generations to come.”
Placemaking is a people centred approach to planning and design that strengthens the quality, character, and identity of towns. It encompasses everything from new developments and infrastructure improvements to cultural activities, events, and small scale community projects — all contributing to a stronger sense of place and belonging.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council will continue to support each town to realise their Placemaking Plans and establish projects which take forward ideas shaped by local voices and priorities. A Place Board has been established for each town to oversee and coordinate placemaking projects and regeneration activities in collaboration with Town Councils.
The plans provide a clear framework to guide future Council investment and unlock funding opportunities from the wider public sector — including Welsh Government, UK Government, and other agencies — as well as attracting private and third sector investment to help bring these ambitions to life.
The Mayor of Cowbridge Councillor Geraint Baty said: “These first projects show exactly what can be achieved when our community’s voice is placed at the heart of local decision making. The Placemaking Plan reflects the ideas, aspirations and concerns that residents have shared with us over many months and it is encouraging to see those conversations now turning into real improvements on the ground.
“Cowbridge has a strong sense of identity and pride, and these early schemes—along with the wider programme to follow—will help strengthen that for future generations. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and ensuring that local people remain central to shaping the town’s future.”
More information about Placemaking in our communities can befound on both the Town and Vale Council websites.