Magnificent but derelict, the Marine building, a stunning piece of Welsh history nestled in one of Wales’ most prominent locations, has been left abandoned for over four decades. Overlooking the Penarth Marina and adjacent to The Old Custom House restaurant, this Grade II-listed three-storey building has a rich past as a fashionable Victorian hotel. Built in a French renaissance style with distinctive pavilion roof towers and ornamental iron balconies, it has stood as a shadow of its former self, battling challenges in securing funding for its preservation. Once home to apartments and offices, the building has sat empty since the early 1980s, gradually deteriorating due to fire and water damage over the years.
In 2001, the late Cardiff restaurateur Martin Martinez acquired The Old Custom House restaurant, which adjoins the Marine building, with hopes of revitalising the area. Plans were set in motion in 2015 to transform the vacant building into a boutique hotel featuring 55 four-star rooms and a 100-seater cafeteria-wine bar overlooking the marina. However, despite ambitious intentions, planning permission expired in 2017 due to a lack of funding, leaving the grand plans suspended. In a bid to breathe new life into the historic structure, efforts were made by the Martinez family to collaborate with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, but progress has since stagnated.
As of December 2024, the Marine building remains in a state of disrepair, listed for sale on the EJ Hales website for the past four years with little interest shown. Priced at £2,250,000, the building stands as a poignant symbol of untapped potential and faded grandeur. Tanny Martinez, son of the late Martin Martinez, expressed his disappointment at the lack of developments, stating that the situation remains unchanged despite optimistic ambitions. With no official statement from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the fate of the 160-year-old building hangs in uncertainty.
The Save Britain’s Heritage organisation has highlighted the architectural significance of the Marine building, underscoring its importance in preserving the area’s history and charm. Liz Fuller, buildings at risk officer, emphasised the building’s architectural elegance and its role in shaping the local community’s identity. Despite its current dilapidated state, the building serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, attracting attention for its potential to revitalise the area and draw visitors to appreciate its historical legacy.
The ongoing saga of the Marine building epitomises a struggle between preserving heritage and navigating the complexities of redevelopment. Efforts to secure funding and garner support for its restoration have faced challenges, leaving the building in a state of limbo. As discussions continue between stakeholders, the future of this architectural gem hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution that could breathe new life into its weathered walls. The Marine building stands as a testament to the resilience of heritage buildings, beckoning for a renewed vision to unlock its promise and restore its former glory.