SIGNIFICANT progress is being made on the Vale’s latest major regeneration project, with elements of the £9 million Goods Shed redevelopment set to open in June.

The former railway storage building in Hood Road, in Barry, is being converted into a shipping container village of office space, retail units, restaurants and a coffee shop alongside an apartment complex.

The first component of the scheme is nearing completion, with some businesses due to be operating from their new premises in a matter of weeks.

Loftco, the company behind the scheme, has begun revealing which businesses will occupy space at the development.

They include Spectrum Collections, an international make up brand founded in Barry with a growing reputation in Hollywood and fitness firm Brawd Men’s Health.

Vale council cabinet member for regeneration and education, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “I’m hugely excited that this imaginative urban regeneration project is nearing completion.

“It is a great example of collaboration between the public and private sectors, brought about by developer Loft Co, the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Welsh Government and Newydd Housing Association.

“This is a fantastic concept that will breathe new life into the Goods Shed, an important local historic property and create much needed jobs, homes and leisure facilities for the benefit of Barry and beyond.”

The project also includes a permanent farmers market, cinema screen, outdoor gym, theatre, and comedy club, which can all be used by the local community.

It is the latest example of large-scale regeneration work taking place in the Vale and is located within Barry Waterfront’s Innovation Quarter.

That area already houses the award-winning Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, Academy espresso bar and other businesses, operating as part of the Pumphouse redevelopment.

Like the Goods Shed, that was a 19th Century building with strong historical significance, that has been brought back into use.

Further developments are in the pipeline at the Innovation Quarter, including proposals for a new college campus, primary school and The Engine Room, which will offer further quality office accommodation.

Building on the lighting schemes at Barry Island’s Eastern and Western Shelters, there are also plans for a lighting installation within the railway tunnel between Broad Street and the Goods Shed, strengthening the connection between the Waterfront, High Street, and Broad Street.

That project is part of the Barry making Waves initiative, funded by the National lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to celebrate Barry’s sense of place.

Designed by artist Jessica Lloyd-Jones, the lighting will be introduced this summer following a £100,000 investment.