LAST week, the Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths AM, announced that Barry town centre will benefit from a further £842,857 of Welsh Government regeneration funding.

The first project to benefit from the extra funding will be the completion of the Cwrt Bethesda site on High Street as affordable housing, while 35 High Street will be refurbished for retail use on the ground floor and residential use on the upper floor. Key sites on Holton Road, including Haydock house, will also be redeveloped, creating 22 new apartments as well as retail space.

Over the past nine years the Welsh Government has invested in excess of £15 million into regenerating Barry, working in partnership with the Vale Council which has skilfully managed the fantastic developments we have seen across the town.

From the new beach huts and improved facilities at Barry Island, to the investment in Barry YMCA HUB and local radio station Bro Radio.

Welsh Government regeneration investment has also helped to deliver new street lighting in Gibbonsdown and new play areas and equipment at Iolo Park, Bassett Park and Western Play Area in Cadoxton.

The Castleland Housing Renewal area has received £2.5 million since 2011 with a further £3.5 million allocated. This will improve 1,200 homes and transform Castleland streets alongside the quality affordable housing provided by Newydd on the site of the former Magistrates Court.

The £5 million Golau Caredig is providing 'five star' homes for people with support and extra care and is already a venue for many activities in the community.

Welsh Government regeneration investment has also delivered extensive improvements to Thompson Street and Holton Road, the refurbishment of the Gibbonsdown Community Centre, and the Lifeguard Station at Whitmore Bay, as well as supporting the creation of community gardens and the refurbishment of the historic Pumphouse.

The Welsh Government and Vale of Glamorgan Council will continue to work together to ensure that support for Barry and investment in improvements in the town encourage economic growth and make it a more diverse, vibrant and attractive place to live and visit.