A HOTEL and resort are being earmarked for the former Butlins site on Barry Island with the Vale council about to begin negotiations with developers.

A proposal for a substantial hotel and linked resort development on the Nell's Point site has been welcomed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council as a significant first step towards another exciting chapter in the resort’s recent history.

The Nell's Point site, currently used as a temporary car park, and the adjacent grade II listed toilet block was the subject of a marketing exercise by the Vale council last summer. Following this the Council’s Cabinet has now agreed a "preferred bidder" so that negotiations can begin with the developers on proposals for a hotel, leisure facilities and the re-use of the toilet block.

Councillor Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, greeted the news with qualified optimism, saying: “The Council's preference has always been a tourism and leisure development for Nell's Point and we are delighted to now be able to enter into discussions with a developer that shares our vision.

“While it must be emphasised that we are still at the first stage of what could be a lengthy process, the outcome of the marketing exercise shows just how far Barry Island has come in recent years and the level of confidence that now surrounds the resort.”

Barry Island has enjoyed one of the busiest summer seasons in recent memory this year, following a £3m regeneration programme delivered by the Vale of Glamorgan Council with funding from the Welsh Government.

The project has won plaudits throughout the summer and has recently been shortlisted for a Welsh planning award, two months after having been recognised as an excellent example of regeneration at a UK town planning awards ceremony.

The proposed new hotel would overlook the renovated Eastern Shelter, vibrantly coloured beach huts, and popular climbing wall, which have been central to the Island’s transformation.