WITH the first phase of construction now complete, Barry's new watersports centre is now open for business.

The new facility, on the previously disused Mole at Barry number one dock, is offering local clubs and groups a place to hold meetings and take part in water based activities such as canoeing and power boating.

Following funding from various sources, including a section 106 contribution from the Vale of Glamorgan council, work has so far seen the construction of a slipway into the dock, a car park, provision of pontoons, and a temporary classroom building.

The work marks the completion of the first part of the project, which looks to ultimately provide a permanent watersports centre for community use, as well as a number of small boathouses, as well as on-site showers and changing rooms.

Run by the Ocean Watersports Trust, a charitable group offering watersports activities for the local community, the centre also looks to bring back to life the formerly disused dock.

Funding for the project came from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Barry Town Council, Sport Wales, Associated British Ports (ABP), Welsh Government, local construction company Grab It, and the Simon Gibson Trust.

Anyone looking for more information or wishing to use the Activities Centre can email info@bcya.org.uk, phone 07855 463293, or visit www.bcwac.org.uk for information.