Consortium provides an £8 million boost for Barry

Friday, 15 June 2012

Tim Chapman

AN £8 million investment in the infrastructure of Barry will take place over the next few years, as a result of the Waterfront consortium’s development of the area.
The Waterfront scheme aims to deliver 2,000 new homes, a district featuring cafes and restaurants, a new supermarket, and a £5million road linking the town and Barry Island.
The consortium estimates the project will cost in the range of £230 million, but part of its agreement with the Vale Council will involve investing a further £8 million in local road improvements, a new primary school, further transport measures, and improvements to community facilities, including water sports and public open spaces.
Preparatory work will begin on the Waterfront scheme in a few days.
The consortium told The GEM that investigative works have already been taking palce at West Pond, and are expected to continue for the next two weeks.
House building is set to start next spring and depending on market conditions will go on for a decade. The consortium comprises Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd, Persimmon Homes and BDW Trading and its spokesman, Richard Keogh, said: “This marks a huge step in bringing this important regeneration project to life. Ever since the scheme was granted full planning approval in March, we were keen to begin work on the development as quickly as possible.
“I’m pleased to say that everything is progressing on time, and we should have a sales centre open in around 12 months’ time.
“With investigative works now under way, the wheels are very much in motion to begin work in earnest on site.
“But it does mean the site is now a full-blown construction area with dangerous machinery in operation, and we urge the local community to respect the health and safety measures we have put in place.
“Although we previously secured the site, we’re still finding that some members of the public are choosing to ignore the deterrents.”
Mr Keogh added: “Eventually, there will be full access across the site via public realm, but we would ask pedestrians, in the meantime, to use the Clive Road steps to cross from the town to the Island, as this is a safe public access route.”
The development has been dubbed The Quays and marks the final phase in the large-scale regeneration of the Waterfront.
Mr Keogh said that the development would provide excellent facilities, create jobs and give Barry an economic boost.
Up to 300 affordable homes will also be built as part of the scheme.

All content © of Glamorgan Gem Ltd unless stated otherwise.

Be the first to comment using the form below.