Entrepreneurs soon to benefit (From Barry And District News)

Entrepreneurs soon to benefit

ANOTHER exciting development is coming to Barry's thriving Waterfront after cash was secured for the proposed £1.8 million Entrepreneurship Centre.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has found funding for this latest project in the Waterfront's 19-acre "Commercial, Heritage and Educational Quarter" following grant approval from the Welsh Development Agency (WDA), the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government's Local Regeneration Fund.

The Entrepreneurship Centre will sit alongside completed projects including the Waterfront Information Technology Centre and Heritage Skills Training Centre.

A planning application for the Entrepreneurship Centre will be submitted soon and construction work could start early next year.

The flagship scheme, providing office and accommodation spaces for new businesses, is considered a priority in the regeneration programme for Barry and the Vale.

Vale Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure Cllr Harvey said: "The centre will provide dedicated professional support and advice for enterprise and business starters.

"Following hot on the heels of the opening of the IT centre, this is another great boost for the area, establishing a growing reputation in the fields of education, training and enterprise.

The project is led by architects Austin-Smith: Lord and discussions will be held with the Design Commission for Wales and the WDA to promote design quality and sustainable development.

Leading the design team is Barry resident Dennis Hellyar: "I'm delighted to be involved in such an important development within my home town and proud to contribute to the future of Barry."

The Entrepreneurship Centre is to be constructed alongside the Grade II Listed Hydraulic Pumphouse which is currently being considered for a possible Lifelong Learning Centre.