THE consortium behind the multi-million pound Barry Waterfront development says work is still ‘on track’ - despite the discovery of asbestos.

The house builders behind the £230m regeneration project said work is gathering pace on the former industrial site with the Barry Dock site being treated for still-present oils, heavy metals and traces of asbestos.

The consortium said the presence of these materials required detailed analysis, design work and a strategy to be put in place to make the area safe and suitable for homes.

The project gained full Vale council planning approval in March 2012 with a requirement for the construction of a new link road between Barry Island and the town, as well as an £8m investment in local road improvements and sustainable transport measures, a new primary school, improvements to community facilities, such as water sports and public open space and an allocation of affordable housing within the development.

The consortium announced, in July last year, that Asda supermarket would occupy a 32,000 sq ft store at The Quays and enabling works on the 100- acre site have been ongoing since.

Richard Keogh, who is leading the project management of the scheme on behalf of the consortium, said: “We and our consultants and contractors are very experienced in projects that involve dealing with contaminated land and preparing sites for development and are used to working with the relevant authorities to ensure all environmental regulations are met.

“Where asbestos contamination is encountered, materials are immediately bagged and sealed by a fully trained operative, ready for disposal to a licensed tip.

“Public safety is always given top priority and remediation measures can extend the length of enabling works but this is not uncommon on sites like Barry Docks.”

It is hoped The Quays development will pump an extra £150million into the local economy over 15 years creating a significant number of jobs, during and after the construction period.

The consortium has said the scheme would take between ten and 12 years.

Mr Keogh added: “Major regeneration schemes like The Quays take time to create but are great news for local communities because they create jobs, stimulate investment, provide good quality homes and bring new facilities and infrastructure that will benefit the region and have a positive and lasting impact for everyone connected to the town.”