A BARRY Island bar and restaurant is set to get a new lease of life after Barry Island Pleasure Park owner clinched a deal with its owners.

Fairground owner and property developer Henry Danter hopes to cater for the coach party crowd, alongside visitors and residents, when The Dolphin, in Friars Road, Barry Island, re-opens as The Old Sea Dog.

The Dolphin, adjacent to Barry Island Pleasure Park and overlooking the sea-front, gained planning permission for 25 dwellings and commercial units in 2015.

Vale Council planning committee members rejected the Barry Island Property Company’s (BIPC) – Hilco and former Park owner, Ian Rogers’s proposal to build residential apartments and commercial units on the site.

BIPC decided it did not want to enter into a S106 agreement – in which developers make a contribution to a community’s affordable housing provision, transport infrastructure, and facilities.

BIPC lodged an appeal with the Welsh Government and its inspector ruled in favour of the developer saying it had two years to go ahead with its plans with a deadline of October 2017.

But BIPC decided to sell-up and Mr Danter sealed the deal after a three-year struggle to buy the entire pivotal site.

Mr Danter said he hoped to get the venue open as soon as possible to cater for the summer crowds – with a refurbishment set to take place during the quieter winter months.

He said: “We’ve never seen a dolphin in Barry, but we’ve seen many old sea dogs. We will offer drink, food, entertainment, and cater for weddings but mainly coach companies.

“Senior citizens and those with disabilities want a place to eat, and be able to use the toilets, when they arrive.

“It’s going to be a credit to Barry Island. This is part of the puzzle to making Barry Island great again.

“Barry Island has got to be an all-year-round destination – catering for people in the evening and in all weathers.”

Mr Danter said he had so far spent £6m on the Pleasure Park, as part of his £20m plan, and he now wants to bring a £4m rollercoaster to the resort.

He added: “My dream is to make it the best in Wales.

“My faith in Barry, my vision for Barry is still as strong as it was since I was a little boy. I will settle for nothing less for Barry Island."