The historic Marine building in Penarth has been abandoned for decades, raising concerns about its future and potential redevelopment.
Penarth: So, there’s this huge old building that’s been sitting empty for ages. The Marine building, right by the marina, has been boarded up for about 40 years now. It used to be a fancy Victorian hotel, but now it’s just a sad sight.
It’s a Grade II-listed place, which means it’s got some historical value. But, man, it’s really falling apart. There’s been fire and water damage over the years, and it’s just not looking good. The last time anyone used it was back in the early ’80s.
In 2001, a local restaurateur bought the place next door, hoping to do something with the Marine building. Fast forward to 2015, and the family had big plans to turn it into a boutique hotel with a café and everything. They even got the council involved, but then funding fell through, and the plans just fizzled out.
It was supposed to be done by 2018, but here we are, years later, and nothing has happened. The owner’s son, Tanny, said he’s still hopeful but admits that progress has been slow. The council wants to help, but it seems like they’re stuck in a rut.
As of late 2024, the building is still up for sale, but no one seems interested. It’s listed for over two million pounds, which is a lot for a place that’s in such bad shape. Tanny mentioned that it’s been pretty quiet on the development front, but he’s got other things to keep him busy.
WalesOnline tried reaching out to the council for a comment, but no luck there. Meanwhile, a charity is trying to raise awareness about the building because it’s got a lot of historical significance. They believe it could really benefit the community if it gets restored.
Even in its current state, the Marine building has a certain charm. It tells a story about Penarth’s past and its appeal to visitors. Reviving it could bring new life to the area and attract more people, which would be a win-win for everyone.
