High praise for town hall plans (From Barry And District News)

High praise for town hall plans

BARRY'S crumbling centre-piece is to be rejuvenated after the development scheme to transform the heart of the town was granted planning permission.

The people of Barry have waited nearly 25 years for the redevelopment of the former town hall, library and Central Park complex on King Square.

But it has all been worth the wait. By September next year, the town will boast a civic centre fit for the 21st century and one of the best modern libraries in South Wales.

Currently housed in the leisure centre, this will be a relief to many people who found parking and accessing the library facilities very difficult.

The scheme, approved by councillors this week, drew unprecedented praise from architects at the National Assembly and has been welcomed by residents in the town.

The scheme maintains and enhances the magnificent Edwardian town hall while creating an "uncompromisingly modern" library at the back.

Central Park, which has been run down and abandoned for many years, will once again be a vital "green lung" in the centre of the town, with facilities for adults and children.

As the town hall is a listed building, special permission was needed from the Assembly to allow the development to proceed.

The Assembly granted permission and praised the scheme.

In its assessment, the Assembly's department of environment, planning and countryside said: "The current proposals have great merit.

"They will provide this important building with a viable and appropriate civic use while causing the minimum of alteration to its historic fabric."

The assessment said the new library "adopts an uncompromising modern style" but had been designed to "respect and reflect the architectural rhythm and proportion of the present facades."

After the meeting, Dilys Colbourne, secretary of the campaigning Barry Citizens Action Group said: "We have waited a long time, but at last we are getting there."