Refurbishment work to former Coastguard Station nears
completion - 21/11/06
A special project which will lead to the former Coastguard
Station at Barry Island taking on a new lease of life has entered
its final phase of development.
Vale of Glamorgan Council Leader Cllr Jeffrey James was joined
by fellow councillor Steffan Wiliam, council officers, and
representatives of the Cowlins construction team, the National
Coastwatch Institution and ABP to celebrate the topping out of the
development at Nells Point overlooking the Bristol Channel.
The Council is undertaking the Coastwatch project with funding
from the Welsh Assembly Government through the Physical
Regeneration Fund, and £370,000 has been made available for a
scheme which completes the planned restoration of the headland and
includes improved public access, seating and landscaping.
The project incorporates a station at first floor level for the
NCI which provides a maritime safety function and is a charity
running 28 similar stations along Britain's coastline. They work
closely with HM Coastguard and are training volunteer watchkeepers
to safeguard shipping, pleasure boats and other coastal users.
The ground floor of the building has been increased in size to
provide an educational and interpretative resource for the local
community and visitors, and a steering group will oversee the
project, especially in relation to use by the local community and
schools as a base for fieldwork, educational and outdoor
pursuits.
Another key partner is ABP who operate a radar installation at
the station to provide information to ships using this busy part of
the Channel.
On a tour of the building to view the changes – building works
are due to be completed by the end of December – Cllr James said:
"The Council is pleased to be working in partnership with the
National Coastwatch Institution in establishing a centre to assist
maritime safety and to train local volunteers.
"The Coastwatch Station occupies a unique location overlooking
the Bristol Channel and, with the involvement of the local
community and user groups, there is a great opportunity to promote
an exemplar project for Barry.”
The project architect is EPT Partnership, Cardiff, with project
management provided by Downies. The contractor is Cowlin
Construction Ltd.
• Anyone interested in the project or joining as a volunteer is
invited to contact Cdr Tony King on 01726 833743 or email nci@springfresh.co.uk
• Volunteer watchkeepers come from all walks of life but have a
common interest in the sea and a commitment to regular watches.
Full training is given.