| Cardiff Barrage |
Article Index for Cardiff |
Website Links For Cardiff |
Information AboutCardiff Barrage |
|
HISTORY The concept of a barrage was first suggested in the 1980s as a way to help regenerate Cardiff 's largely disused docklands. The barrage would create a large freshwater lake intended to attract investment into the docklands. The bay was part of the Bristol Channel which has the second largest tidal difference in the world. As a result, for half of the day, the bay was empty of water, leaving large unappealing Mudflats exposed. The barrage was consequently seen as central to the regeneration project. The Government established the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation to build the barrage, and to redevelop the area as a whole. Cardiff Barrage Locks, from the Severn Estuary: OPPOSITION Opposition to the project came from many quarters. Some local Politician s (including the area's MP , Rhodri Morgan , now First Minister of the Welsh Assembly ) said the Scheme would cost too much money. Local residents feared that their homes would be damaged by the permanently raised water level. Environmental groups strongly opposed Construction because the bay was an important feeding ground for Bird s, which would be lost following impoundment. CONSTRUCTION Construction started in to reach breeding grounds in the River Taff and three Locks for maritime traffic. Construction was completed in 1999 and shortly afterwards the barrage came into effect. The impounding of the River Taff and River Ely created a 2km² (500 acre) freshwater lake. TODAY The barrage has played an important role in the area's regeneration. Attractions such as the Wales Millennium Centre , the National Assembly For Wales , a sports village, '''shopping''' and Watersport s have since moved onto the waterfront. In 2000 the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation was Dissolved , and the Welsh Assembly awarded a contract to Cardiff County Council to manage the barrage. EXTERNAL LINKS |