Associated British Ports confident of Barry marina project

The statement comes in the face of concern raised whether Barry’s marina ambitions really are viable.

Barry waterfront resident, Plaid Cymru’s Mark Hooper previously told the Barry and District News he had concerns about the “practical implementation” of the funding within the tight deadlines and its benefit for the local community.

The UK levelling up monies – all £20 million of it - is aimed at building a marina, water sports centre, and business space round the waterfront and ‘the mole’ for the people of Barry.

You can understand Cllr Hooper's scepticism, being a resident of a housing project which hasn't been properly finished in over three years.

And, in a recent update, Vale Council, which is front and centre of the marina plans, say the development has changed and now includes the use of the council's historic Dock office, which will provide office space for businesses in Barry.

Much of the land that will be used to build Barry’s new marina will be land owned by Associated British Ports – the British ports authority which owns and operates 21 ports around the UK, including land around Barry docklands.

In what should be a major boost for the “marina idealists”, ABP say they are confident the project will be delivered.

A spokesperson said: "ABP continues to work closely with the council on the options for deploying the announced Levelling Up Funding. That includes, most recently, supporting the council's further interaction with the UK Government.

“The goal is a deliverable and financially viable project that we can all play our roles in and can be completed within the statutory timescales linked to the LUF funding award."

Watersports coming to Barry waterfront? (Image: Newsquest)

• Read more: The idea of building a marina and moving the yachts in might seem a peculiar way to level up the playing field, however it’s been assured the marina will be built for local people

In their latest statement, a Vale Council spokesperson said: "The council is currently working with its advisors, Associated British Ports and UK Government, to ensure the scheme fits within the funding that has been awarded and allow the proposals to progress within the funding window.

"Is important to note that the development has changed significantly since the original round two levelling up bid, and now includes the use of the council's historic Dock office, which will provide much-needed office and incubator space for businesses in Barry.

“It also includes the retention of the ocean watersports trust on the Mole, adjacent to the proposed Marina in a new dedicated building alongside a large public park and events area.

"The Barry Making Waves development will be important to the completion of the wider waterfront development, alongside a new multimillion pound purpose-built building for Cardiff and Vale College.

“It will create improved employment, community, leisure and education opportunities for the waterfront and for Barry as a whole."

Politicians have flocked to see the site of the plans including David TC Davies, Alun Cairns, Under-Secretary of State for Wales Fay Jones, and Lis Burnett (Image: Supplied)

The marina is being funded by the UK Government's levelling up funds (Image: PA Media)

Read more on Barry's marina ambitions

• New office space on the cards in Barry's marina plan changes
• Barry to get new water sports centre and 'business space' in marina project
• Is £20m enough to build a marina in Barry? Wales' Secretary of State thinks so...
• Barry's Waterfront development: What's it really like?
• Levelling up funding concern for Barry in 'implementation'

What's been said about Barry’s UK levelling up Waterfront marina bid?

Vale MP Alun Cairns: “I was delighted to announce the success of our Marina bid, particularly having pressed its case across the Vale and in Parliament for years now.

“The Marina will help to attract investment and is part of my plan for the regeneration of Barry. This is levelling up in action.”

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies: “I was delighted to be in Barry to hear about the benefits that a Marina will bring to the town, showing how our investments are making a huge difference to communities.

“The council requested funding of £20 million, the Secretary of State looks forward to seeing how things progress.”

Vale Council leader Lis Burnett: “This funding will enable us to take the transformation of Barry, and in particular the Waterfront, to the next level.

“At a time when the council’s budgets are under significant strain, this additional funding will provide money for the longer-term to deliver improvements that otherwise we simply could not afford.

“The two regeneration projects will focus on creating sustainable jobs, more opportunities for learning and training, improved public infrastructure, and through it a better connection between the town centre and Waterfront.

“The Making Waves initiative is one we have developed with local communities, and to have a chance to put into action plans that our residents have helped create is tremendously exciting.”

Plaid Cymru Councillor Mark Hooper: "I'm cautious about accepting the marketing hype and political slogans around the funding announcement.

"I have concerns about the practical implementation of the funding within the tight deadlines and its benefit for the local community.

"The financial troubles experienced by various marinas across Wales and in neighbouring areas shows the need for careful consideration and scrutiny of the new project.

"That's why I'm concerned that a landmark site in Barry will end up as another housing estate with no facilities, and the Vale scrapping about it after the event, as we have already seen with the wider Waterfront development.”

Do you believe Barry will get its marina? Is £20m enough? Sceptical? Can’t wait to see it? For the marina idea, or against it? Let us know, in comments, on Facebook, or emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.

Got a story in Barry? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.