New waterfront community proposed for Barry

Ambitious proposals for a new waterfront, mixed-use development at Barry in South Wales have been announced by a consortium comprising Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon Homes and Barratt Homes.

The £350m scheme – which will include 2,000 homes, around 300,000sq  ft of commercial and retail floor space and the prospect of a hotel and a cinema – has surfaced following the sale of a 41-hectare prime development site under an agreement involving the Welsh Assembly Government and Associated British Ports (ABP).

Both will be involved with the master plan for the proposals, earmarked for land surrounding the port's Number One Dock.
The developers have stressed that both the housing – including 400 affordable dwellings – and the commercial development will be designed to meet the highest current environmental standards.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, minister for the economy and transport, said the proposals supported the Welsh Assembly Government's policies in respect of sustainable development.

He said: "It is excellent news to see some of the UK's leading house builders take a key role in helping to set the highest environmental standards for this development as well as providing a significant number of affordable homes.

"Waterfront Barry plays a vital role in the ongoing regeneration of South Wales and these proposals will provide a significant boost for the area and create new jobs through the commercial and leisure developments."

Read the Welsh Assembly Government press release

Roger Milne

11 October 2007