Council hopes to rejuvenate town centre through purchase of former superstore
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has exchanged contracts on the purchase of the former Wilko superstore in Barry town centre.
Bringing the 22,323sq foot building back into use is the first part of an ambitious plan to breathe new life into the town centre.
The aim is to find a way to redevelop this prime retail space into a vibrant space for small businesses and other activities that will drive footfall in the town centre.
In the short term the building’s windows will be used for seasonal art displays. These will attract shoppers and brighten Holton Road while work is undertaken to make the store ready for occupation.
The long-term plan for the site will be developed in partnership with local businesses and the wider community. This will be a lengthier process and so in the meantime from early 2026 the Council will use the building to support local businesses by hosting activities designed to attract people into the town centre.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council said: “Our immediate priority is to bring shoppers back to Holton Road. There are some great retailers in Barry town centre and right now we think the best thing we can do is to help bring more customers to their doors.
“Work is required to make sure the building can be re-opened but as soon as we are able to we will be using the space to put on events and exhibitions that will attract people into the town centre. We’d love to hear residents’ ideas on what these could be.
“In the longer term we want to create something that adds real value to Holton Road. There are some great examples elsewhere in Wales where the right scheme can transform a town centre. We want to work with local businesses and the people of Barry to design something that has the same effect.
“We believe in Barry and are ambitious for the town. This is the most significant investment in the town centre for many years and it’s important that we get it right. For this reason, we’ll involve as many people who share our belief as possible.
“We want to hear all views but to be clear this is not a site we see being used for housing. This investment is about supporting Barry’s high street, its retailers, and giving more people a reason to visit the town.
“We’ve been closely monitoring the building, which has been vacant since Wilko closed, and acted immediately when the opportunity arose to buy it. That has been made possible with support from a £950,000 loan from Welsh Government”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “This investment, supported through our Transforming Towns loan funding, demonstrates how partnership between local councils and the Welsh Government can help revitalise our town centres and support local businesses.
“By bringing this prominent site back into use, we’re not only tackling a vacancy on the high street but also creating opportunities for small enterprises and the community to thrive.
“We want town centres like Barry’s to be vibrant, welcoming places where people want to visit, shop, and spend time - and this project marks an important step towards that goal.”
The acquisition forms part of the Council’s wider strategy to support town centres across the Vale of Glamorgan, ensuring they remain vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable places for people to live, work, and visit.