New plans have been unveiled for exactly how a brand new visitor centre will look at Cardiff's Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs.
As well as a swanky new building which will act as a "visitor hub", there will be facilities for sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and even electric picnic boats.
The Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) centre will be built on the banks of the Lisvane reservoir while new slipways will be constructed to give access to the reservoir itself as well as the adjoining Llanishen reservoir.
DCWW has released the first image of how the modern centre will look from the outside. Offering "spectacular views", the two-storey building will feature changing rooms and showers for water sport activities and meeting and training rooms available to local groups.
A virtual "fly-through" video has also been released and shows how it will look inside, including the glass-fronted cafe on the top floor which will enjoy panoramic views right across both reservoirs.
News that sailing will return to the reservoirs will be welcomed by the group Friends of Llanishen Sailing Centre, who said: “It would be the best thing to happen to water sports in Wales for the last 15 years.”
Here's a full list of the plans for the site:
A visitor hub featuring a cafe with panoramic views over the reservoirs;
A water sports centre offering activities like sailing and paddle-boarding along with showers and a changing area;
Meeting areas which can be used by schools and community groups;
Walking routes and a nature trail with interpretation to highlight features of interest;
Bird hides ;
Conservation areas;
A learning zone with an outdoor classroom and Welsh round house.
The Victorian-era reservoirs in north Cardiff were drained over a decade ago and DCWW has spent the last four years restoring them both.
The not-for-profit water company took over responsibility for the reservoirs in 2016 with ambitious plans to bring them back to their former glory.
The first pictures of the long-awaited refilling of the lakes emerged in January this year.
Pete Perry, Welsh Water chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce plans for the new activities and visitor hub at Lisvane and Llanishen.
"As a not-for-profit company owned on behalf of our customers, we recognise the wellbeing benefits that come from being able to visit reservoir sites.
"Our plans for Lisvane and Llanishen, for the visitor centre and the activities that will be on offer, reflect this and offer an inclusive visitor experience to those that visit.
"In developing our plans, as well as taking on board the views of the community about what they would like to see there, we have also been very careful to protect and enhance the unique ecology of the site."
The plans have been three years in the making and DCWW is almost ready to submit a planning application in September this year. But before it does, it is opening up the plans for public consultation.
To have your say on the proposals, visit the DCWW website at dwrcymru.com/lisvaneandllanishen
