Happy campus! (From Barry And District News)

Happy campus!

BARRY is set to become a university town with the redevelopment of the Island's former holiday camp.

The 11-acre site, which has been disused since 1996, is to be transformed into the Welsh Centre for Tourism and Leisure.

But the old swimming pool and holiday camp buildings on Barry Island, which hold fond memories for many locals, would be completely destroyed to make way for the venture.

As part of the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), the college, now based in Cardiff, could include a hotel, restaurants and conference facilities.

Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet members approved proposals to use the site for the campus last week.

A report stated: "At national and international level, the proposal gives an opportunity for Barry to become a university town with the associated prestige and status that affords."

Economic regeneration director Rob Quick said relocating the tourism college to Barry would bring in "investment in the local economy, increased civic pride and national status".

He added: "There would be the benefit of a student population in the town for nine months of the year as well as student accommodation that could be used for tourism during the summer."

The plans will now be finalised in a study jointly carried out by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, UWIC and the Welsh Development Agency. UWIC has various other areas in which they could build their new campus, but Barry Island is said to be their first choice.

The news was welcomed by residents.

Local Paul Maharg, 30, told the News: "I remember coming down to Barry Butlins as a child. It's wonderful building and if they can do anything with it, it's got to be better than letting it rot.

His wife Alyson, 36, added: "There really isn't enough for young people to do around here, so losing Butlins and the amusement it provided for all ages was a huge loss. But if UWIC come here, at least the building can be used to its full potential."

The final go-ahead for the project is expected by the end of the year.

Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Leisure Mike Harvey stressed: "Projects like this help to enhance the image of the town and contribute to building a brighter Barry."