IT took years of campaigning and many more months of enabling work and construction but ‘the people’s pavilion’ as director Dr David Trottman called it, is finally complete.
Working to a tight schedule, contractors R&M Williams pulled off a fantastic renovation of which the whole of Penarth can be proud.
The aim was to return the Art Deco-style building to the splendour of its past, blending in its rich heritage to create a modern Victorian marvel.
Pavilion fundraising manager Alice Turner said she was sure residents and tourist alike would feel it was worth the wait.
“This is where the fun starts,” she said.
Screenings in the state-of-the-art 70-seater community cinema are scheduled from mid October.
The first screening is already sold out, but from October 16, About Time, starring Rachel McAdams will go on show.
There will also be a kids club every Saturday morning and silver screenings on a Wednesday. Popcorn, sweets and other confectionary will all be on sale.
In the new year the cinema will be open six days a week, showing films old and new – including Rush, Diana and Blue Jasmin.
On October 26, a Gothic Masked Ball will be held, complete with live bands and a glamorous ball room.
Before that a jazz night called Swinging at the Pavilion will take place on October 11.
It is hoped it will evoke a renaissance of its 1940 dance hall reputation.
But tickets for the event are already sold out, testifying to the fervour surrounding the reopening.
“We have some amazing things planned,” Alice added.
“People have been incredibly supportive. This is a really exciting time for us.”
Just 70 founder memberships remain for the pavilion, out of 500. The scheme offers benefits including discounts and priority bookings.
For more see www.penarthpavilion.co.uk