Along with the growth of Penarth, the town's commercial, industrial and
service sectors have also developed and changed. However these sectors
have had to face up to changes which have taken place in the way we all
live, particularly in recent years.
Many of the larger industries associated with the development of the
town, such as Penarth Docks, Cogan Brickyard (now Cogan Recreation
Ground) and the cement works at Lower Penarth, closed many years ago.
The redevelopment of Penarth Docks has seen the relocation of light
industry previously located there, however this has made way for luxury
housing developments.
The town centre continues to be a vibrant local shopping area, with a
wide range of shops, although it has seen many changes brought about by
the wider choice now available to the customer with easy access to
out-of-town supermarkets and the shopping precincts of Cardiff. The
opening of Tesco at Penarth Haven has clearly proved to be popular with
customers however many argue that this is to the possible detriment of
retail outlets in the town centre.
The town's proximity to Cardiff Bay, has attracted more visitors to
the town, thus enhancing the local economy. The construction of the
Penarth Head Link between the Esplanade and the Cardiff Bay Barrage will
provide a pedestrian and cycle way link which is expected to increase
Penarth's link to this attraction. The Cardiff
Cats Water Bus is one of the new exciting attractions, in Penarth
marina which runs from the marina to Mermaid Quay in Cardiff bay.
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