Tide turning for booming Barry (From Barry And District News)

Tide turning for booming Barry

MAJOR retailer Argos could be set to open at the Waterfront, further boosting Barry's booming economy.

Although it has not been officially confirmed by the shoppers' favourite, a planning application has been received by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

A council spokesman said: "We recently received an application from Argos for signage on the site of a unit at the Waterfront.

"The company has expressed its intentions to seek planning permission for a store at that unit, but no further application has yet been received."

The news is massive boost for the town after an earlier development plan was shelved in February 2003.

At the time, an Argos spokesman said: "We understand people will be disappointed (at the decision to halt the move), but we are not ruling out coming to Barry in the future."

Now the tide has turned and Barry is set to benefit from Argos' ambitious plan to open 35 stores throughout the country within the next three years.

The Argos decision to set up in the town is just the latest in a long line of major economic boosts to the area.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is due to open at the Waterfront this Monday with its neighbour Focus Do It All following closely behind.

On Saturday, July 31, the Safeway store on Palmerston Road will close its doors for a refurbishment and retraining before reopening on Thursday, August 19, as Waitrose, part of the John Lewis chain.

There are other planned projects for the town.

Although no contract has been signed yet, the council is confident Wilkinsons will commit to opening on the old Victoria Pub site.

Also, it is rumoured that New Look is in the market to expand into Barry - in the former Poundstretcher store - as part of a national drive.

Meanwhile, the regeneration of the town hall and Central Park continues.