Massive boost for town centre (From Barry And District News)

Massive boost for town centre

BARRY'S struggling town centre has received a massive boost to its economy.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has completed the sale of a key retail site at 59 to 71 Holton Road to David McLean Developments. It has also contracted with Wilkinson, Britain's fastest growing independent high street retailer, to take all the retail space in the development.

For the last few years, the land has been used as a temporary car park, and the deal, which will lead to the development of a 13,000 sq ft Wilkinson store, is viewed as yet another important step forward in revitalising the town centre.

The project is one of a raft of initiatives currently being undertaken by Barry Action, the partnership between the Vale Council and the Welsh Development Agency, charged with the regeneration of the greater Barry area.

It complements other initiatives, including the refurbishment and extension of the Town Hall and the reconstruction of King Square and Central Park.

Council Leader Cllr Jeffrey James said: "This is exciting and important news for Barry.

"The council and its partners have already promoted major improvements within the Waterfront and, in particular, has brought new retail uses to the town.

"This deal in Holton Road is an important part of the council's strategy of improving the town centre as well as the Waterfront, and I welcome the news that Wilkinson has decided to invest in Barry and hope that it will add further to the growing attraction the town."

John Allen, a director of David McLean Developments, one of the country's leading commercial development and construction companies, said: "We are delighted to be carrying out this significant retail scheme which will provide a valuable new shopping attraction to Barry town centre."

The Barry store, which will be one of 25 stores being opened by the company in England and Wales next year, will employ around 50 staff.