Investing in Barry - Location
Its location and close proximity to Cardiff, excellent
transport links with easy access to the M4 and Cardiff
International Airport, together with good rail links place Barry
and its surrounding environs in a prime position in the beautiful
and prosperous Vale of Glamorgan. This offers huge potential for
growth and investment.
Ongoing work for the Council’s Local Development Plan identifies Barry as
a key settlement of growth and development. This recognition is in
line with the designation of Barry as a key settlement in the Wales
Spatial Plan. As a consequence, Barry is seen as the focus for
growth and development during the plan period (2011 –
2026).
The designation of Barry as a
Regeneration Area by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2010 has
been a significant boost, providing further investment in the town
to build on regeneration work undertaken previously in partnership
with the Welsh Assembly Government. The designation is bringing
significant investment into Barry to deliver key environmental,
economic and community based projects. This is seen as a vote of
confidence by the Welsh Assembly Government in the importance of
regenerating the town, building upon recent progress in the town
centre, King Square and surrounding environments. There has already
been significant regeneration activity in the town driven by a
variety of funding sources and this has been complemented by the
development of further strategic proposals. This work will be used
as a foundation to develop a broader regeneration action plan for
the town incorporating not only physical regeneration, but issues
concerning housing, skills, inactivity and health through a
balanced approach to people and place.
Concentrated intervention in the form of a Regeneration Area
offers a significant opportunity to realise the benefits of a more
strategic approach to regeneration in Barry. The town is now one of
only seven designated
Regeneration Areas in Wales. Recent work includes public
realm improvements to Thompson Street (adjacent to the main town
centre). There is also the
Castleland Housing Renewal Scheme (a town centre ward)
undertaking regeneration works to many dwellings, thus improving
the overall environment of the area and purposefully attracting
young professionals to settle in the town. A key strategic
development opportunity involves the redevelopment of
Barry Waterfront for approximately 2000 new homes, retailing
and commercial development. Planning applications
are currently being considered by the Council, not only for
the redevelopment of the former Dock area but also to provide a
direct road link to Barry Island.
Other proposals involve the redevelopment of the former Barry
Island Funfair site for a mixed scheme including indoor leisure
facilities, whilst the Council is currently undertaking a master
planning exercise to inform the future development options for the
Island including land within the Council’s ownership at Nells
Point. This is in recognition of Barry Island as a key destination
for visitors. Other important proposals involve the enhancement of
the former Barry Dock Railway Station to provide park and ride
together with a transport interchange.
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.
Read more about development in
Barry