A WATERSPORTS centre in Barry has taken another exciting step closer to completion with the selection of an architects' design for the facility.

Barry Community Water Activity Centre (BCWAC) has announced the winner in its architect design search, following its previous signing of a licence agreement for access to water in the No 1 Dock at The Mole, at Barry Waterfront, the land lease and the cutting of the first turf.

Committee members and dock users voted for Richard Andrews Architects’ design and the group is now inviting the public to give opinions on the choice.

Secretary, Philip Walters said: “It was considered that this was the more iconic design suitable for the most visible site in the whole of Barry.

“It was felt the sail identified it as a water activities centre, and the internal design included for the required purposes, with community rooms for the public and a cafe to look over the dock to view the sailing, rowing and canoeing activities going on.”

He added: “We are presently just starting the phase 1 slipway, which we are waiting for NRW to confirm the soil samples have no contamination, before the contractor can construct the slipway. Phase 2 is mainly ground works, but we are looking for help to convert the portable cabins to changing rooms.

“The stage 1 lottery application is being prepared with the architects involved, but we are planning to pursue additional funding. We will shortly be setting up a funding committee which we will require help from people with experience in raising funds for charities.”

The dock will be used for recreation and training.

Competitions in all forms of water activities, sailing, sail boarding, canoeing, rowing, power boating, dragon boat racing, rafting, and regattas will be operated totally through the Ocean Watersports Trust, from the Barry Community Water Activities Centre.

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