Celebrating ten years of success (From Barry And District News)

Celebrating ten years of success

BARRY Waterfront's massive £100m regeneration scheme has celebrated a decade of success.

Yesterday saw the tenth anniversary of the project aimed at revitalising the town's run-down No 1 Dock.

The plan to transform the area into a thriving community was cemented on March 31, when the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and Associated British Ports (ABP) signed up to an ambitious vision of the future.

This has now been realised following a massive redevelopment programme that saw both commercial and domestic success.

Of the 190 acres of former dockland area, nearly 60 acres have been sold for residential, retail, leisure and commercial development. Leading house builders Westbury, Persimmon and Barratt have completed over 500 homes and more are planned.

In addition, Morrison Supermarkets, who opened its first South Wales superstore on the site in October 2001, recently secured consent for a Focus DIY Store and Kentucky Fried Chicken which will open in summer 2004.

The scheme features a promenade, parks and an extensive network of footpaths and cycleways which has opened up the waterfront for public access. The waterfront also provides a spectacular setting for maritime and local community events including Tall Ship visits, sailing regattas, charity runs and festivals.

And on the day of the tenth anniversary, a new project, which underpins the success story to date, has been unveiled.

Called 'Holton Reach,' it will include a community centre, a doctor's surgery and pharmacy, houses and apartments and open space .

It has already attracted top UK house builders Redrow who plan to build 84 private homes and 29 affordable homes for rent.

In addition, land has been allocated for a new footbridge to link Waterfront Barry with the town centre.

The Methodist Church is proposing to develop and manage the community centre in conjunction with other partners, to provide an affordable nursery, life-long education facility and multi-purpose area for various activities and meetings including a place of worship.