CONTRACTS have been exchanged between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and developer DS Properties for an ambitious mixed-use development.

The development, subject to planning permission, proposes the conversion of a historic 1880s railway Goods Shed (the Gwalia Buildings on Hood Road) into a vibrant business and entertainment village featuring a range of pop-up cafes and bars, a technology hub, live work units and accommodation for small, local businesses that will trade out of modified shipping containers.

This scheme is the latest phase of the Innovation Quarter (IQ) at Barry Waterfront, a regeneration joint venture between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Government aimed at establishing a mixed-use urban quarter in the heart of Barry Waterfront.

The Goods Shed project aims to complement other existing schemes at the Innovation Quarter including offices and workshops at the BSC (Business Services Centre), the Premier Inn Hotel, Brewers Fayre, Snap Fitness Gym, Academy Espresso Bar, Hang Fire Restaurant and the West Quay Medical Centre.

Leading local developer DS Properties, who delivered the award-winning neighbouring Pumphouse conversion, is aiming to submit a planning application in the Autumn for this exciting proposal for the Goods Shed.

Managing Director of DS Properties, Simon Baston, stated “DS properties are absolutely delighted to announce that they are continuing their partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council in purchasing the iconic Goods Shed. DS anticipates that the scheme will provide over 200 long term employment opportunities. It will also give an affordable and flexible solution to small and medium size enterprises in the Vale.

“DS genuinely believe that this is a new ‘urban high street’ for the 21st Century and is pleased that the Local Authority has seen the benefit of this scheme for residents as well as local businesses.

Cllr Jonathan Bird, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “We are pleased to be working with DS Properties once again and look forward to the developer bringing forward a conversion scheme of a similar quality as the very popular Pumphouse, which has proven a huge success.

“The mixed-use concept proposed by DS Properties is very creative and has the potential to be an exemplar sustainable mixed-use scheme that will help boost the local economy and benefit the wider regeneration of Barry.”

It is hoped that the scheme will complete in 2019.