The historical town of Barry in south Wales is undergoing regeneration to create a more sustainable town centre, and provide an economic and social boost to the wider area. As part of the effort, it will benefit from a £3.5 million grant from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, according to Barry and District News.
The funding has been allocated to the Vale of Glamorgan District Council, to be used specifically for developments in Barry. Among the new projects is the mixed-use Goodsheds area, which is built on previously derelict dockland. It is situated within the upcoming Innovation Quarter at Barry Waterfront.
The £9 million development is a blend of retail, leisure, office space and housing which has been designed in sympathy with its traditional dockyard roots. It consists of three distinct spaces, named The Shipyard, The Tracks, and The Sidings. The Shipyard has been constructed out of 54 repurposed shipping containers.
The containers are now home to around 20 independent businesses. You will find global cuisine, boutique homeware, beauty salons, bars, and start-up ventures, stacked over three floors. The sustainable hub is within close proximity to 4 train stations, cycle routes, and has free parking facilities just a few minutes’ walk away.
The Sidings provides housing and commercial units in a renovated 1880s redbrick railway building, which rejuvenates the area whilst also preserving its industrial heritage.
The Tracks are comprised of repurposed Gatwick Express train carriages. They are sited on the original railway tracks, and are now a unique retail, leisure and business space. You will find artisan craft companies offering jewellery, ceramics, clothing, and homeware. There is also a cinema and event space, and an independent florist and delicatessen.
The Transforming Towns funding has also seen the regeneration of other derelict sites across Barry for social housing and office and business space.
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