The work starts (From Barry And District News)

The work starts

BARRY town centre's massive regeneration programme has started with the building of a major new car park.

The foundations have been laid on the site of the old Salvation Army hostel as part of a major public sector investment progect aimed at boosting tourist and retail business.

The free car park at the former Citadel site opposite the Council's Civic Offices on Holton Road will provide modern and safe parking facilities for shoppers and visitors to Barry town centre.

It has been especially designed to fit in with the overall streetscape of the town. The design has been prepared to the highest standards with seating and tree planting along the frontage onto Holton Road.

The car park will be enclosed by a low red brick wall with brick pillars and traditional spike and spear railings to give prominence to this key location. Cycle stands will be provided and a space will be reserved for disabled use. The area will be under CCTV surveillance and will also be well lit at night.

The programme is funded through Barry Action, the partnership between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Development Agency, which is delivering economic regeneration in the greater Barry area.

Project manager Andrew Dakin said: "Promoting development which will help the retail trade in the town is a major part of our activities. This is one of a number of projects planned for the town centre to improve the shopping area and access to it.

"It has been designed to fit in with the architectural style of the town - red brick walls and spike and spear railings are prominent features in Barry. "We hope this car park will encourage shoppers and tourists alike to spend more time in Holton Road."