Archive - Thursday, 21 February 2002


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Specialists on the waterfront

BARRY is on track to benefit from the expertise of a team of top European specialists who are busy designing the towns newest railway station.

Engineers and architects who worked together to develop the stunning Eurostar International rail terminal at Londons Waterloo station are set to transform the Barry Dock building.

The moves comes as part of Barry Actions plans to relocate the current station to serve the new passenger service linking Cardiff and the Vale, which is due to come on stream in 2003.

As well as achieving a high standard of design, Barry Action, the partnership between the Welsh Development Agency and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, wants the development to include a new footbridge.

It will also play a major role in linking the town centre with Waterfront Barry as part of its strategy to regenerate the economy of the town.

Engineering consultants WS Atkins and architects Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners have been selected to look at the best positions and designs for a new station complex possibly involving the relocation of Barry Docks Station.

Consultants

The commission also involves the consultants undertaking design work for a new pedestrian bridge to cross the railway and connect into Waterfront Barry from the bottom of Thompson Street.

The study will also investigate the possibility of other developments within and adjacent to the proposed station complex.

W S Atkins South Wales regional director Geoff Webber told the News: "The main challenge is to design a building which is not just a service building, but one which is a feature and a link. This will be more than just a station we want a statement which is worthy of the regeneration of Barry and Waterfront Barry," he said.

Keith Brewis, Associate Director of architects Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners added: ""We intend to reconnect Barry to its waterfront, providing a new link from the emerging dockside developments to the heart of the city.

"The station will be the primary event on this route; a meticulously engineered piece of architecture to stimulate further development and inspire local civic pride."

Vale of Glamorgan councillor Mike Harvey said the commission to design the new building was a significant one for Barry.

Barry Action intends the station to be operational for 2003, with the footbridge opening earlier if possible.