End of Week Message from Marcus

23 October 2026

Hi everyone, 

I wanted to use this week’s message to update you on some significant projects that are moving forward across the Vale. 

They have a common theme: bringing underused buildings and spaces back to life, improving services and delivering wider benefits for our communities. That is exactly what our Reshaping Programme is about. 

In Barry, plans are progressing for a new Wellbeing Hub on Thompson Street. This will modernise Adult Day Social Care Services and bring health, social care and wellbeing support together in an accessible town-centre location. 

Existing services will relocate following the redesign and rebuild, helping people remain independent, connected and supported, while also breathing new life into previously empty retail space. 

We are also looking to transform the former Holm View Leisure Centre into an education and community hub.  

Specialist provision linked to Ysgol Y Deri will be based there, helping to meet growing demand from learners with additional needs, particularly those that require social, emotional and mental health support. 

The building could also have community uses, including vocational training, a café and social enterprise opportunities. Consultation with residents and local groups will begin shortly to help shape those proposals. 

There has also been extensive consultation with the community regarding plans for Colcot and Buttrills sports facilities.  

More than 700 responses were received during that process and the message was clear. 

People want both sites retained for sport and community use, with investment in pitches, changing rooms, accessibility and facilities for women and girls. 

We will now move into further feasibility and options work, while also pursuing funding opportunities to refurbish the former artificial turf pitch. 

There is positive news in Penarth too, where a preferred bidder has been selected for the Kymin.  

I cannot reveal too much just yet, but this is an exciting opportunity to secure a sustainable future for an important local landmark and deliver real community and economic benefits. 

Meanwhile, work at the Dock Office continues to progress well ahead of its new future as a business centre.  

Roof and atrium restoration is nearing completion, stone cleaning is underway and internal decoration has begun.  

The quality of accommodation that will be delivered is excellent and will provide a long- term future use for this iconic building. 

Cabinet considered updates on much of this work yesterday, alongside proposals for our Registrar Service to offer personalised, non-religious, bilingual Civil Funeral ceremonies across the Vale. 

This is another good example of Reshaping in approach. It is not simply about major regeneration schemes, it is about continually asking how we can use our assets, services and resources differently to deliver more for our communities. 

There is a lot happening, and real progress is being made. Thank you for everything you have done this week. I and the rest of the Strategic Leadership Team really appreciate your efforts. 

For those not in work, have a relaxing and restful couple of days off. 

Marcus