Investing in Barry - Development

There is no doubt that the designation of Barry as a Regeneration Area and the willingness of key players to submit development schemes for strategic proposals, at a time of economic downturn, cannot be understated and represents a confidence that Barry is a location open for business. The town is in a strong position and well placed to become one of the best places to invest in South Wales.

In addition to private sector interest and activity, the Council itself has been at the forefront of developing and delivering key improvements to facilities within the town. A recent flagship development involved the redevelopment of the old town hall to a state of the art central library and art space.

As part of the regeneration of the Barry Waterfront, the Vale of Glamorgan Council in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government has developed the Innovation Quarter which has recently seen the completion of the Business Support Centre (BSC), which is a circa £2 million project operated by the Vale of Glamorgan Council providing high quality office and workshop accommodation to fledgling businesses and entrepreneurs. The BSC has the added advantage of having in-house business support and advice provided through the Council’s Economic Development Unit.

Alongside the BSC, the Skills Training Centre is a circa £1.6million IT training centre operated for the Council by Barry College, combined with a circa £800,000 conservation workshop.

A new recently opened Primary Health Care Centre and Spine Road development of £6 million is located to the west of the BSC building. The restored Goods Shed and Conservation Workshops are let as a Railway Training School and Heritage Restoration Centre.

In addition, the Council is leading on the external restoration of the Grade II Listed Hydraulic Pumphouse which is currently underway with marketing for an end use to follow later in 2011.

Furthermore, the Council has a track record of delivering other initiatives and improvements. It recently completed the redevelopment of Cowbridge Secondary School and work on St Cyres Secondary School redevelopment is programmed as the next phase of its School Organisational Plan. Work is also underway to develop a new Welsh Medium Primary School in Barry. The Council was also a key stakeholder in the successful bid to bring the Defence Technical College to St Athan and, although the training needs of the Ministry of Defence are currently being re-assessed by Central Government, the presence of a planning permission for a Defence Technical College cannot be underplayed and is a telling factor which may yet see a new College based at St Athan.

Read more about the cost base for inward investment & development in Barry