WORK on Barry’s iconic Pumphouse is now in the advanced stages, with construction workers having created a new upper floor to the building and 15 new units.

The Hydraulic Pumphouse, a grade II once derelict 19th Century building, is being restored by developer DS Properties thanks to a £2million investment.

The ground floor is being sub divided to create accommodation for several commercial uses.

Work will soon begin on a new pedestrian plaza and outside seating areas to create a high quality environment in the heart of the Innovation Quarter.

Thirty new jobs have been created during the construction phase with up to 60 new jobs anticipated following the project’s completion.

Simon Baston, of DS Properties, said: “Converting old buildings, especially listed properties is always an enormous challenge, but they offer the exciting opportunity to create totally unique and inspirational places and spaces for people to live, work in and visit.

“This is the case with the Pumphouse, where after six months of works we are now starting to see the fruits of our hard work and investment. I am very confident that when completed we will have saved the property for many generations and established the Pumphouse as an inspirational and iconic venue that will play a key part in the revitalisation of Barry’s Waterfront.”

He added: “DS Properties has also been delivering on our commitment of working with the council to promote local regeneration and we have sourced the majority of our labour and materials from South Wales. Our team is made up mostly of construction workers from South Wales and thanks to their craftsmanship and local commitment to the project we will end up with this wonderful iconic building being enhanced to a high quality. When completed I am sure the refurbished Pumphouse will stand out as an iconic property that we can all be proud of.”

Following a tour Vale Council leader, Cllr Neil Moore, accompanied by cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett and Vale Council managing director Rob Thomas, praised the regeneration project which has obtained a long lease from the Vale Council.

Cllr Moore said: “It is extremely encouraging to see at first hand the amount of private investment that is going into this project and also the colossal amount of hard work that is being carried out in taking this restoration work forward.

“I am pleased to say that the council has worked very closely with DS Properties to help protect and enhance this historic property, which remains a very important part of Barry’s and Wales’ industrial heritage.

“This is an appropriate, creative and innovative way of regenerating an old building and bringing it back to life, which meets the needs and uses of a modern audience. When finished the Pumphouse will further contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area and should act as a catalyst for further investment in the Waterfront.”

The conversion of the Hydraulic Pumphouse is a flagship regeneration project within the Innovation Quarter, a joint venture between the Vale Council and Welsh Government.

The development is expected to contain apartments, offices, eateries and a gym.