Start of another chapter in Barry's maritime history -
19/02/07
A new lease of life for a Barry Island landmark building will
help ensure the safety of Bristol Channel mariners and visitors and
residents using local beaches and coastal walks.
Following a £370,000 project, the former
Coastguard Station at Nells Point has been transformed into a new
National Coastwatch Institution station and an educational and
interpretative resource centre.
The official opening of the station – another
chapter in Barry's maritime history – was marked by an exercise
involving the Barry Dock Lifeboat.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has undertaken
the project with support funding from the Welsh Assembly Government
(Physical Regeneration Fund), and the opening was attended by
volunteers who will man the station and youngsters from Barry
Comprehensive School.
Council Leader Cllr Margaret Alexander, who
unveilled a plaque, said: “I am delighted at the success of this
project which has the full support of volunteers and the local
community.
"The building suffered, in the recent past,
from its exposed position but I'm sure that it will serve the
community for many years to come following this refurbishment
project and the partnership with the NCI.
"The Council is keen to work with partners
across a wide variety of sectors, and the station project provides
a focus for voluntary activities and community participation.
"The project completes works to restore the
headland, including improve public access, seating and
landscaping."
Also attending was Vale AM Jane Hutt, who
said: "This project shows the importance of the public partnership
between the Assembly and the Vale Council. This is one of many
regeneration projects in Barry that are making a real contribution
to the local community.”
A charity dedicated to reopening visual
stations along Britain's coastline, NCI runs 32 similar lookout
facilities along Britain's coastline and has appointed a local
manager and recruited 30 volunteers to operate its year round
maritime safety function from the first floor of the building.
Commander Tony King, of the NCI, said: "The
excellent refurbishment of the watch level in the old Coastguard
building will enable our volunteer watchkeepers to significantly
enhance the safety of all who use the waters in and around Barry
Island.”
Another key partner is Associated British
Ports who operate a radar installation at the station to provide
information to shipping using this busy part of the channel.
The ground floor of the building has been
enlarged to provide the educational and interpretative resource,
and a steering group comprising representatives from local
organisations will oversee the project, especially in relation to
use by the local community and schools as a base for fieldwork,
educational and outdoor pursuits.
Anyone seeking further details about the project can contact the
Council’s Principal Landscape Architect, Malcolm Drysdale, on
(01446) 704745.