Plans to finally connect Penarth Esplanade with Cardiff Bay have taken a major step forward, following renewed support from Penarth Civic Society for the long-awaited Headland Link Walkway.

At a recent public meeting, the Society welcomed Alun Michael, former MP, and engineer John Lovell, both trustees of the Penarth Headland Link charity, who have been working for more than a decade to revive the long-discussed scheme.

The proposed walkway was originally intended to form part of the Cardiff Bay Barrage project, designed as an “Arc of Entertainment” linking the Bay with Penarth’s seafront. Although the idea was shelved due to cost overruns and overly ambitious early plans, interest in the project has never truly faded.

Now, a new design aims to deliver a practical and affordable version of the original vision: a four-metre-wide shared walkway for pedestrians and cyclists, running 1.1 kilometres between the Bay and the Esplanade, supported by concrete pillars set 25 metres from the cliff face. The plans also include the potential for a small “road train” service to ferry visitors between the two destinations.

Advocates of the project believe it could unlock the full potential of both Cardiff Bay and Penarth’s seafront. Economists have long pointed to the lack of a physical connection as one of the key barriers to Cardiff Bay’s development as a major coastal attraction.

For Penarth, the benefits could be transformative: boosting visitor numbers to the pier and esplanade, and supporting local businesses throughout the town. The link could also help reduce car arrivals, with improved transport options and the possible return of a shuttle bus to the town centre.

The scheme’s estimated £30 million cost would require central government funding, with local authorities unlikely to meet the expense alone. The Civic Society has called for the project to be included within the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s recently published Placemaking Plan, describing it as “the most exciting and vital project for Penarth’s future.”

If realised, the Headland Link Walkway could finally deliver what generations of planners, campaigners, and residents have imagined — a bold, beautiful connection between Cardiff’s waterfront and Penarth’s promenade.

Artists impression supplied by Penarth Civic Society.

Upcoming events from Penarth Civic Society

Alongside championing projects that shape Penarth’s future, the Civic Society continues to host a busy calendar of talks and community events celebrating the town’s rich heritage. Here’s what’s coming up over the next few weeks:

• Thursday, 13 November 2025
  Friends of St Augustine’s Talk: Bristol, Penarth & St Augustine’s by Chris Riley
• Tuesday, 18 November 2025
  130 years of Penarth Pier: an anniversary special presentation by Alan Thorne at Penarth Pier Pavilion (Ticket booking via Penarth Pier Pavilion Eventbrite)
• Wednesday, 17 December 2025
  Carols in the Square at Victoria Square​