Associated British Ports have said they will no longer fund the marina component of Barry’s Making Waves redevelopment project. Councillors have said plans will still go ahead without that element, and plans will help grow the local economy.
00:01Barry's waterfront regeneration plans have taken a hit, with confirmation that the proposed marina, originally a key part of the Making Waves project, looks in doubt after major funding partners pull out.
00:12The Making Waves scheme is a multi-million pound plan to transform Barry Docks and the surrounding area, part funded by the UK Government's Leveling Up initiative.
00:20It aims to revitalise the town's waterfront, create new opportunities for leisure, housing and business, and support long-term economic growth.
00:28But this week, Associated British Ports ABP, who own the site, said the marina element is no longer financially viable due to rising operational costs.
00:37Despite the setback, the Vale of Glamorgan Council say that the project remains deliverable, just in a slightly different form.
00:43They're now seeking an agreement from the UK Government to proceed without the marina.
00:47Council leader Liz Burnett described the news as a setback, but says that there's still plenty to be optimistic about and will continue the plans without the marina component.
00:56The revised plans will still include a new water sports centre at the Mole, run jointly by the Ocean Water Sports Trust and Cardiff and Bale College.
01:04Leisure use on the water will continue to be a central part of the plans moving forward.
01:08A new public park is also planned, along with new homes and the redevelopment of the historic dock office into a business space for start-ups and small enterprises.
01:17Also, the council says wider regeneration across Barrie is gathering pace, with a new college campus planned for the waterfront, a restaurant development at Nels Point and the final stage of secondary school redevelopment now underway at St. Richard Gwynne High School.
01:31Despite losing the marina, the council says its ambitions for Barrie remain unchanged and that making waves will still deliver major improvements for residents, visitors and the local economy.
