VALE MP Alun Cairns has said he welcomes the construction of the Goods Shed building in the town and that it ties in with his plans for the regeneration of Barry.

Mr Cairns said he was pleased to see the inclusion of top beauty brand, Spectrum Collections in the £9 million project to convert the old railway Goods Shed building and adjoining land at Hood Road, in Barry Waterfront.

The mixed-use scheme, which includes a shipping container village and apartment complex, was given the green light by the Vale council in July 2019..

The Vale council reached agreement for developers Loft Co to transform the structure into office space, retail units, restaurants, and a coffee shop.

Sitting alongside the Barry Tourist Railway, there will also be a new five-story residential block on the site operated by Newydd Housing, offering 42 new homes, 23 of which will be affordable housing units.

Mr Cairns said that Spectrum Collections, which was originally set up in Barry, has kept close links with the town despite moving away.

He said Spectrum had sponsored the first Barry Pride event in September 2019.

Residents, workers and visitors to the Goods Sheds will also see Michelin star chef James Sommerin set up a restaurant on site.

The development, billed as the UK’s first new urban high street, is scheduled to open on June 1, 2020.

Mr Cairns said 40 businesses were ready to go.

Mr Cairns said he recognised the impact the development would have on the town’s regeneration.

“This will be huge for our community and plays a significant role in my plan for regenerating Barry,” he said.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Spectrum will return to Barry.

“It was a real shame when they had to leave in order to expand – this development demonstrates that it is creating the space needed for local businesses to grow and be successful.”

Goods Shed developer, Simon Baston said: “I’m really excited about creating a first of its kind development where people have the opportunity to live, work and play, 24/7, in such close proximity.

“Ensuring that it’s delivered with low carbon footprint and offers an attractive place for business to set up, has not been done like this before.”