Investing in
Barry
Barry is the largest town in Wales.
The administrative centre of the Vale of Glamorgan, it developed
rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
The port of Barry was a key exporter of up to 11 million tonnes
of coal in the early 20th Century with strong rail links to and
from the South Wales Valleys. This strong industrial and
commercial past became the foundations for the town’s modern
existence.
Today Barry is a town of over 47,000 people and has many
strengths and opportunities. These include a scenic coastal
setting, an extensive dockland area situated between the town
centre and its seaside resort and beaches, a railway running
through the heart of the town, close proximity to the capital city
in the east and Wales' only International Airport to the west.
Residents have easy access to country parks, a selection of
beaches (including the award-winning Whitmore Bay on Barry Island)
and a choice of shopping centres from the main centre in
Holton Road to High Street in the west end of the town. The
Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast is only a short drive away, as is
the rich and diverse rural hinterland of the Vale of Glamorgan.
Barry is fast becoming the town of choice for national film
makers. Casualty, Dr Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Gavin &
Stacey and Being Human have all been filmed in and around
Barry.
In the past few years, the town has received a shot in the arm
with a number of regeneration projects. The Town Hall, King
Square and Central Park received a multi-million pound overhaul,
while a new Waterfront development contains shops and
is popular for its annual Waterfront Tall Ships Festival, held
every September.
The recent designation of Barry as a
Regeneration Area will give confidence to key partners and
provide a focus for the securing of investment to deliver real
economic and social benefits to the town.
View further information about Barry's
access, population and education
You can also download a PDF version of
the Investing in
Barry document