A CONTRACT to restore the landmark Pumphouse in Barry has been awarded by the Vale Council to John Weaver (Contractors) Limited.

The project will be overseen by leading conservation architects Acanthus Holden Architects. The council owned No 1 Dock Hydraulic Pumping House is a Grade II Listed building. It will undergo a £1 million external restoration to ensure it is saved as an important part of Barry and Wales’ industrial heritage.

The project is being funded by the Vale Council and Welsh Assembly Government.

Listed by CADW as one of the few hydraulic pumphouses remaining in Wales, the Pumphouse formed part of Barry’s dock complex and remains an important local landmark with its imposing 42 metre chimney.

Built during the 1880s, it provided hydraulic power to operate coal drops, lock gates, swing bridges and other equipment around the docks.

The building comprises two parts, the north and south ranges. When operating a century ago the north range would have contained workshops and hydraulic controls. The south range would have contained boilers and steam powered engines.

Vale council Leader, Cllr Gordon Kemp, said: “I am delighted the Pumphouse restoration project is going ahead.”

Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration said: "The Pumphouse is an iconic building on Barry’s waterfront and so I am delighted that the funding the Assembly Government has provided will help to save this building.

"Barry was established earlier this year as a Strategic Regeneration Area and I hope this important project will be followed by many other regeneration projects that will enhance the area for residents and visitors, and bring economic benefits to the town.”

Completion of the restoration works contract is scheduled for spring 2011, and a spokesman added: "The Council will be marketing the Pumphouse in due course to secure an end use with the aim of bringing back to economic life this fine industrial building."