The new café at Roath Park Lake has been officially opened to the public by Cllr Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture.
The project was a partnership between Cardiff Council and private investor, Nic Lukaris.
The new provision is an extension of the existing refreshment facility which was originally built in the 1970s.
It has been named the Terra Nova Café, after the ship used by Captain Scott during his ill fated-voyage from Cardiff to the Antarctic.
The development has been designed to enhance the existing building by creating a space that allows the café to merge with the beautiful surroundings of the park.
It boasts several contemporary features including solar glass walls so patrons can enjoy a panoramic view of the park, an eco-friendly Sedum grass roof which insulates the building in the winter and prevents heat gain in the summer whilst also helping to remove carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air.
Other characteristics include an outdoor patio seating over the upper boat stage so people can view the boats and an outside undercover area for dog walkers.
It is hoped that the facility will become a community venue where people can take part in a choice of activities such as salsa lessons, ZUMBA, walking groups, reading and chess clubs, art mornings and children’s classes.
The café will provide healthy eating options, as well as roast dinners on a Sunday and an after school meal deal for busy parents.
There is also a discount on drinks for people over the age of 65 years.
During the event, guests were invited to sign their names on a canvas illustrated with the Roath Park lighthouse, also named the Terra Nova. The canvas is to be mounted on the wall of the café in order to mark the opening.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “The opening of the Terra Nova Café is the prize from an exciting project between Cardiff Council and Mr Lukaris.
“The café is situated near the lake in one of Cardiff’s most beautiful parks and makes a hugely attractive spot to sit and watch the wildlife that lives there.
“Roath Park is known as the jewel in Cardiff’s crown and I believe that this new facility will be a popular place for local members of the community as well as the many visitors to the park each year.”
Nic Lukaris said: “The Council, architects and I came together and attempted to design a space that improved the existing building aesthetically but also introduced a wide range of new activities to the public.
“Roath Park is one of UK’s best parks so hopefully the development of the Terra Nova Café will further enhance the park and will be a great experience for all visitors”.
