BARRY Marina has been awarded £20m in the latest round of Levelling Up Funding released by the UK Government.

Yesterday, November 20, seven projects in Wales were awarded grants totalling £111m to support long-term regeneration and growth.

Projects include creating a “vibrant” public area in Barry Dock and regeneration schemes in Port Talbot, Rhyl, and Powys.

The £20 million awarded to Barry will look to create a new business centre and food and drink outlets.

Barry recently won £20m of an £80m pot, along with Merthyr Tydfil, Wrexham and Cwmbran as part of long-term investment for towns the UK Government said "have been overlooked and taken for granted".

On the latest £20m, MP Alun Cairns said the project will be a “major boost” for the town.

“I promised a marina for Barry at the last election and I am delighted that we have secured the funding.

“This project will deliver so much for Barry and local residents. It will help attract more jobs and investment to the town. It continues my plan to regenerate in a modern and attractive way.

“I knew it would take a lot of hard work, but I have been determined to deliver this investment. Following years of making the case for a marina in Parliament alongside countless meetings I am delighted we have got this over the line.

“This project will be a major boost for the whole of the town. Bringing new investment, jobs, restaurants and bars to the area, the marina will draw visitors and tourists to Barry and will truly make a difference to the area.”

Commenting on the latest and third round of levelling up funding, Levelling up Secretary Michael Gove said: “Levelling Up means delivering local’s people’s priorities and bringing transformational change in communities that have, for too long, been overlooked and undervalued.  

“We are backing 55 projects across the UK with £1 billion to create new jobs and opportunities, power economic growth, and revitalise local areas. 

“This funding sits alongside our wider initiatives to spread growth, through devolving more money and power out of Westminster to towns and cities, putting in place bespoke interventions to places that need it most, and our long-term plan for towns.”

Barry And District News: Projects include creating a “vibrant” public area in Barry Dock Projects include creating a “vibrant” public area in Barry Dock (Image: Newsquest)

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:   “This is another hugely significant investment in transformative projects across Wales. From town centre regeneration to improving travel infrastructure, these schemes will have a positive impact for generations to come.”    

Welsh Conservative Shadow Economy Minister, Paul Davies MS said: “While the Conservatives deliver for communities the length and breadth of Wales, the Labour Welsh Government would rather use their record funding settlement to spend £120 million on sending 36 more politicians to Cardiff Bay.”

The Welsh Government said they have nothing to add to the story.

Will a marina help level up Barry? Let us know your thoughts in comments, on our Facebook page, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.