End of Week Message from Marcus

17 April 2026

Hi Everyone,

I’m pleased to be sharing this week’s End of Week message and taking a moment to focus on the work we’re doing together to shape the Vale in Place.

One of the most rewarding aspects of placemaking is seeing how collective effort translates into real change on the ground.

Placemaking is often described in terms of plans, projects and investment - but at its heart, it is about people, partnerships and pride in where we live and work. 

Across the Vale, that collective effort is becoming increasingly visible, not just in major regeneration schemes, but in the smaller, meaningful changes that improve everyday experiences for our communities.

That sense of momentum is particularly evident in our placemaking plans for the four Vale towns – Llantwit Major, Cowbridge, Barry and Penarth.

These plans continue to guide how we invest, prioritise and collaborate, ensuring that local knowledge and shared ambition sit at the centre of decision-making.

A key milestone in this journey has been the publication of the Barry Placemaking Plan, developed in close partnership with Barry Town Council. This reflects a shared vision for the town’s future and one that builds on Barry’s strong identity while creating new opportunities for growth, connection and to develop projects that are locally meaningful.

Alongside this, we continue to make progress on key regeneration opportunities in our town centres. The former Wilko building on Holton Road is a good example of how we are taking a proactive approach to unlocking potential. 

Since acquiring the site, the focus has been on ensuring the building is safe, secure and ready for its next chapter, while also engaging widely with the community and colleagues to shape its future use. 

Those conversations are already generating valuable insight, and there is a real opportunity to create something that responds directly to local aspirations. 

In the meantime, work is also underway to explore temporary uses for the space ensuring it remains active and contributes positively to the town centre while longer-term plans are developed.

Elsewhere in Barry, the Waterfront is entering an exciting new phase. 

Through the Barry Making Waves programme, two major projects - the redevelopment of The Mole and the restoration of the Grade II listed Dock Office - are gathering pace. 

Together, they represent a significant investment in the town’s future, creating opportunities for economic growth and community activity.

The plans for The Mole are ambitious, with a vision that includes new public open space, new homes and an education and watersports activity centre with the Council’s development partner, Lovells Partnership Ltd, leading delivery of the scheme.

Nearby, the Dock Office will be transformed into a modern, flexible workspace, supporting local businesses and innovation while preserving an important part of Barry’s heritage.

A tender process is currently under way to appoint a flexible workspace operator who will create a dynamic business hub - one that supports local enterprise, encourages innovation, and delivers both commercial and community success. 

Those of you with a keen eye will also have noticed the work progressing at the former Nells Point toilet block in Barry, which is being converted to a new Loungers Bar and Restaurant in partnership with Next Colour – the developers behind the Oyster Wharf scheme in the Mumbles.

It is hoped that this will open in late May or early June.

These projects highlight the scale of our ambition and the long-term impact placemaking can have when it is delivered thoughtfully and in partnership.

At the same time, we are seeing how placemaking projects can be brought to life in practical and more immediate ways. 

In Llantwit Major, the recent One Week Town Boost has demonstrated what can be achieved when we bring together creativity and collaboration in a limited amount of time. 

As one of only three pilot towns in Wales, Llantwit Major has helped us test a new approach to town centre regeneration - one that focuses on action as much as future planning.

Over the course of a week, colleagues from across the Council worked alongside residents, businesses and partners to deliver simple visible improvements and build confidence in trying new ideas.

From the creation of a vibrant mural celebrating local identity, to enhancements around key town centre spaces with new seating, planters and artwork, the impact was immediate. 

Just as importantly, learning from this activity will shape how we deliver placemaking activity across all our towns in the future too.
Looking more broadly, our strategic planning work also continues to progress. 

The Deposit Draft consultation for the Replacement Local Development Plan has now closed, marking an important stage in shaping the long-term future of the Vale. 

The feedback received during the public consultation will now be carefully considered, with a further report to be brought back to Council in the autumn before seeking a public inquiry from Welsh Government into the deposit plan.

This is a significant piece of work that underpins so much of what we do as part of placemaking, ensuring that growth is sustainable, balanced and reflective of local needs.

Supporting our further placemaking work is the emerging Local Growth Fund, which will play an important role in enabling future investment across the Vale. 

With an indicative allocation of nearly £4 million for 2026/27, this funding will help drive projects that support business competitiveness, skills and employment, and strategic infrastructure. 

It provides a valuable opportunity to build on the progress already being made and to continue delivering improvements that benefit our communities and local economy.

Of course, placemaking is not only about large-scale, high impact projects. It is also reflected in the everyday improvements that enhance how people experience our public spaces. 

Recent investment has delivered brand-new toilet facilities at Cosmeston and Porthkerry Country Parks, alongside upgraded amenities at Barry Island, including improved accessibility, showering and changing facilities. 

These enhancements make a real difference to residents and visitors alike, supporting wellbeing and encouraging people to spend more time enjoying what the Vale has to offer. 

What connects all of this work is the commitment and collaboration of colleagues across the organisation – whether that is helping to deliver major regeneration schemes, supporting community-led initiatives as well as improving day-to-day services. It is this collective effort that makes placemaking meaningful and effective for our residents.

On behalf of myself and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team, thank you for your continued hard work – it is your contributions that are helping to shape places that people are proud of, now and for the future.

For those who are not in work, I hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

Marcus