Cardiff Harbour Authority

THE NORTH ARM/OUTER HARBOUR

The North Arm is where the new designated Sea Angling zone can be found.

For further information about sea angling - click here

The outer harbour provides a 'harbour of refuge' for vessels in the Bristol Channel. It is dredged regularly to remove silt, which can accumulate at the rate of 1m per month.

VIEWPOINTS

Viewpoints and the feature of Barrage Point form a focus for users walking along the Barrage. The design of the viewpoints reflect a ship’s bow and the nautical theme is extended with decking surfacing and the style of the surrounding railings.

The magnificent sails on the Barrage Point provide the finishing touch to the nautical theme and have now become an important focal point and symbol throughout the Cardiff Bay area.

PLANTING BEDS

All the areas of grass and shrub planting on the Barrage were prepared by combining the existing sand with organic material and fertiliser to form a growing medium. The organic material consisted of recycled, screened green waste from the council’s parks and open spaces.

The fertiliser used was thermally treated biosolids, an inert end product of the water treatment industry. The grass seed mix was made up of species specially adapted for thriving in a maritime environment.

CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

	A children’s play area continues the nautical theme with pirate ships and boats set on a sandy ‘beach’. The choice of equipment and blue ‘sea’ surfacing allows access and play for all abilities.

WATER BUS STOPS

	In order to provide access to the Barrage in as many ways as possible, two water bus stops have been constructed. Water buses operate throughout the year and a network of new stops is being developed. There are stops at the northern and southern end of the barrage.

THE BARRAGE CONTROL ROOM

	The Barrage Control room is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staff are responsible for operating and maintaining the Barrage and undertake essential procedures including the operation of the sluice gates to control the level of water in the Bay.

LOCKS AND BRIDGES

	There are 3 locks and 3 bascule bridges on the Barrage. The locks allow access to and from the Bay and the lock gates are 16m high. The bridges each weigh 88 tonnes and work on a cantilever design.

SLUICES

	There are five sluice gates, which have been designed to prevent seawater entering the freshwater Bay by closing at times of high tides. They are also used to regulate and maintain a preferred water level. This is achieved by balancing the flow through the sluices with the combined incoming river flows, minus the water volumes used for other operations.

FISH PASS

	The Barrage incorporates a specifically designed fish pass to allow migratory salmon and sea trout to return to the rivers Taff and Ely to spawn. Fish have been found to return to Cardiff from as far away as Greenland.

SIGNAGE

	Around the Barrage site there are numerous large visitor information signs which provide details of the Barrage operation and the surrounding area.

PUBLIC SHELTERS

	There are three public shelters at the Barrage. They are dual use shelters in that they provide protection during bad weather, and a waiting point for the road train. In line with the Harbour Authorities renewable energy strategy the display panels on the 2 of the shelters are powered by solar panels on the roof.

SAIL STRUCTURE

	The sails are illuminated at night to create a distinctive landmark. Below the sails is a large wooden decked viewing area with fantastic views of the bay. There is also a pay per view telescope on Barrage point. The official public opening of the Barrage took place here on the 1st June 2001. A memorial slate plaque marks the occasion.

CAR PARKING

	The Barrage has its own pay and display car park. There are 129 car park spaces and of these 7 are designated for disabled driver parking. Coach trips are allowed onto the Barrage by prior arrangement. To accommodate those with special needs a minibus parking space has been provided within the site area, adjacent to the toilets, for disabled groups. Car parking charges are 50p per hour.

TOILETS

Public toilets are provided for male, female and disabled visitors.

Nappy changing facilities are also provided.

The toilets are cleaned twice daily.

FIRST AID

	First aid is provided via Barrage Control. Contact any member of staff or 02920 700234 for assistance.

THE EMBANKMENT

The Cardiff Barrage embankment, in its unique maritime setting overlooking Cardiff Bay, retains its own remote and tranquil character. A linear design was developed reflecting the sinuous nature of the embankment, enabling visitors to enjoy views both towards the city centre across Cardiff Bay and also out into the Bristol Channel. The lack of steps and flat gradient make it an ideal place to visit for all.

AGE OF COAL

	This exhibition demonstrates the link between the mining in the Welsh valleys and the development of the docks in Cardiff and Penarth.

THE PINK HUT

	This is a building from which the local yacht clubs can run races. It's distinctive colour can easily be seen from the water. Nearby on the breakwater is a pay per view telescope and the new designated Sea Angling zone can be found here.