A popular summer attraction is set to move to Cosmeston Lake in Penarth in the summer instead of it’s usual spot in Cardiff Bay, due to poor water quality.
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00:00It's been confirmed that a popular water park won't be returning to Cardiff Bay this
00:06summer due to ongoing issues with water quality. Instead, plans are in place for Aquapark to
00:12move to the eastern side of Cosmaston Lake in Penarth, with a pilot set to run from May
00:17to September this year.
00:19Bela Glamorgan Council says the move could help generate income for improving local park
00:23facilities.
00:27The council's director of place, Marcus Goldsworthy, said the decision came after the operators
00:31struggled with Cardiff Bay's poor water quality, especially after heavy rain, which often forced
00:36them to close. A licence agreement is due to be signed in April, allowing the park to
00:41set up an inflatable assault course with slides and climbing frames like we have in Cardiff
00:45Bay.
00:47The Aquapark group, which also operates in Rutland and Lakeside, says this will be a
00:51temporary move while long-term plans are reviewed.
00:55However, concerns have been raised over the environmental impact of the plans, with councillors
00:59questioning how wildlife will be protected. Some expressed fears that the attraction could
01:04disrupt the tranquillity of the park, with one councillor warning about the balance between
01:08generating income and preserving the natural environment.
01:13Mr Goldsworthy reassured councillors, saying the activity area will be marked out to avoid
01:17the most ecologically sensitive zones, with strict conditions in place to protect the
01:21environment.
01:24Water quality at Cosmestin Lake is tested twice a year and the council is confident
01:28it's safe for activities like this.
01:33The trial will be reviewed at the end of September, with a decision to be made on whether the
01:37attraction will return in future seasons.