BARRY Island traders have overwhelming agreed that various forms of holiday accommodation are needed, as the Vale Council again markets the former Barry Butlins site.

Business owners at Whitmore Bay, have repeated their view that tourist accommodation, to suit all budgets, is needed to ensure the seaside resort’s continued success.

Traders said Nell’s Point should also feature indoor and outdoor leisure facilities with car parking deemed essential.

The headland, currently housing temporary use event and car parking space funded by Welsh Government Barry Regeneration Area money, was marketed in 2013 but failed to attract what the Council believed were appropriate proposals.

The Vale Council is now inviting offers for the land formerly occupied by the holiday camp, and the adjacent Grade II listed toilet block, as part of the ongoing work to regenerate the resort.

Agents are seeking ‘imaginative and viable commercial leisure and tourism developments’.

Paul Tarling, JLL public sector and development consultant, who is marketing the sites on the council’s behalf, said: “These two sites are arguably one the best opportunities available for a leisure and tourism development in South Wales. Both enjoy panoramic views across the region’s premier sandy beach, Whitmore Bay, and are just a short trip from Cardiff, Wales’ capital city.”

Vale Council cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “As we enter the summer season there is a new buzz around Barry Island. Recent extensive regeneration work has given the eastern promenade a new lease of life through the creation of the eye catching beach huts, a striking climbing wall and new manicured gardens. In addition to this the iconic Barry Island funfair is once again in operation and construction of the new Island link road is underway.

“This makes this the perfect time to market what we know to be two coveted sites. We wait with interest to see what exciting new leisure and tourism schemes will be proposed.”

Carl Windels, who co-owns John’s Cafe, said accommodation was key and Boofy Clemo suggested a Camper van park with hook up showers and running water.

“Camping is the way forward,” he said. Other suggestions include a hotel, chalets, log cabins and caravans.

Barry Island trader, Jonathan Osborne whose family own Fun Harbour, and Coastal Coffee on the Island, said the Council should be more open with its proposals for the resort.

Referring to the previous marketing exercise, he said: “Why and how did the water park resort proposal get thrown out?

"VOGC should be looking at reputable companies such as Hoseasons or Park Resorts who can offer some form of accommodation mixed with some leisure facilities such as bowling, swimming and entertainment. VOGC should be actively approaching these type of companies, and not the other way around."

He added: "There never seems to be much happening with this land which has been vacant for 20 years and that in itself demonstrates an inability to make progress. Some believe VOGC are holding it back until the Waterfront development is completed, hoping the land becomes more valuable for housing.

"VOG strategy seems not to recognise the difference between day-trippers and holidaymakers, the latter of which the Island has not seen in a long, long time. Day trippers go home at teatime. This is the reason why the evening trade on the Island is now so quiet. Holidaymakers would stay all week, come out day and night and explore everything the town and the Island has to offer.”

The sites are offered for sale by informal tender and the sites can be purchased individually or together.

Deadline for tender submissions is September 30, 2015.