Cardiff Bay Barrage

This engineering structure across the mouths of the rivers Taff and Ely transformed Cardiff's derelict docklands into a large freshwater lake and waterfront district. Completed in 1999, the barrage impounds the tidal waters that once left vast mudflats exposed at low tide. A walkway and cycle route run along its length, linking the bay to Penarth and passing locks, sluice gates and a fish pass built for migrating salmon and eels. The regenerated area behind it now hosts theatres, restaurants and public spaces.