- Regeneration Minister welcomes “exciting” new waterfront development

A proposed new waterfront development in Barry will help transform the town, Labour’s Regeneration Minister said today.

Assembly Deputy Minister Leighton Andrews, who himself grew up in Barry, was invited to see the site of the new development in Barry by local Labour MP John Smith.

It was recently announced that Associated British Ports will sell its remaining landholding at No. 1 dock and discussions are currently underway with a bidder on plans for the land. It is expected that a mix of housing, bars, restaurants, hotels and public services could go ahead on the site.

LEIGHTON ANDREWS said:

“The Labour-led Assembly is absolutely committed to the regeneration of Barry Waterfront. Having lived in Barry to the age of 11, I am really proud to see how we are transforming my home town.

“Since Labour came to power the redevelopment of the waterfront has been a great success. We can be proud of the way in which the area has been completely transformed.

“But the job is not complete. The latest development at the waterfront has the potential to deliver even more for local people, with housing for local people, work for local people and better services for local people.”

JOHN SMITH said:

“Barry is a town on the up. The redevelopment of the waterfront is good for the town as a whole. The proposed development will enhance the reputation of the town as an attractive area for development.”

He added that the development had extra significance in the context of the multi-billion pound Defence Academy at St. Athan.

“As the gateway to the Vale of Glamorgan, Barry stands to benefit the most from the new Academy. We are well positioned to take advantage of the new opportunities created by this record investment.”

Ends

Notes to editors: Leighton Andrews is AM for Rhondda. He attended Barry Island Primary School from 1962-67 and Romilly Primary School from 1967-8.