AMBITIOUS plans to turn Central Park into the focal point of Barry town centre have been revealed.

An artists' impression of the new-look site was unveiled this week by Vale of Glamorgan planners.

The scheme, which is part of the £8.1 million King Square renovation project, will cost £600,000. Initial work on the site, which is the town centre's only green space, will start in April.

Plans show the run-down and derelict area will be completely transformed.

The focal point of the park, will be an amphitheatre. This will be created by re-sculpturing grass slopes which will provide an area for seating, sunbathing and watching events staged in the centre of the park.

Other features include two play areas - one for under fives and another for older and teenaged children.

There will also be a youth shelter, basketball court and a play water feature with spray jets which will be surrounded by irrigated bedding displays.

Project manager John Dent has also confirmed that the park will be monitored by security surveillance cameras.

Mr Dent was present at a Central Park public meeting at the Tynewydd Congregational Church Hall last Wednesday. This was called to unveil the plans, and to set up a Community Association.

The new group will consult directly with the Vale of Glamorgan Council on the future use of the town centre's only green space.

The association will consist of members of the public keen to see the park brought back to its former glory. Councillors Stuart Eager and Margaret Alexander have also agreed to sit on the steering committee.

Their first task is to consult on the the type of events in the park and decide it's opening hours.

Barry Citizens' Action Group has fought a 19-year campaign to prevent the park from being developed commercially.

The group's secretary, Dilys Colbourne said: "Of course I am pleased with the plans for the park but I won't be celebrating until work actually begins. We have been fighting to save the park since 1985 and have seen so many decisions overturned."

The town centre revamp will also see overhauls for the Town Hall, Kings Square and Wyndham Street car park.