BARRY'S multi-million pound Town Hall development project has attracted worldwide interest from high-class professionals.

More than 30 national and international practices responded to a Vale of Glamorgan Council advertisement in the official journal of the European Community.

The advert sought multi-disciplinary design and contract administration services, including a wide range of professional skills.

The Barry Action project, with proposed funding from the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Development Agency (WDA), involves the restoration and extension of the Grade II listed municipal buildings to provide a new central library for the area.

Also included in the package is the refurbishment of King Square, the enhancement of Central Park, the provision of improved surface car parking and public toilets, and the possible inclusion of a pub/restaurant use.

Council officers will this month commission one of the practices to take the project forward.

Expressing his delight at the high level of interest and the quality of bids received, council leader Cllr Jeffrey James stressed the development of the former Town Hall was a key priority for the council, and a major project of Barry Action.

"The council and its joint venture partner, the WDA, are determined to regenerate the heart of the town centre, using the best private sector advice available," he said.

Barry Action, the partnership between the WDA and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, is charged with the regeneration of the greater Barry area.

The development of the Town Hall site follows one of the partnership's key strategic aims - to make improvements to buildings and the environment as the basis for sustainable investment and growth.

Barry Action also aims to support and strengthen business and employment opportunities in the area and develop the skills of local people as well as encouraging and promoting new visitors.