A placemaking plan for Barry, which aims to improve the places where people live, work, and spend time, is scheduled for approval this month.
After listening to local people, the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Barry Town Council have created a plan using new ideas to make towns and neighbourhoods more welcoming, vibrant, and useful for everyone.
The plan will be the fourth developed in partnership with Town Councils in the Vale, with the hope of unlocking future funding opportunities for the town centre and beyond.
Work to develop a Barry Placemaking Plan began in 2024, being shaped in collaboration with residents, local businesses, organisations and elected Members, who shared their own ideas and priorities for the future of the town.
The plan focuses on improvements in the town centre, but also on connecting the town and revitalising Barry Island.
Whilst the ideas in the document are said not to be set in stone, it's believed that it will continue to evolve as community needs change.
The plan has been developed with the two Councils, but its delivery is also focused on local people delivering and shaping the plan and projects ads they evolve.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “I am so pleased that we have been able to work together on this plan and that it has been shaped by the people who live and work here.
“A key priority within the plan is strengthening the town centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Recent steps such as the Council’s acquisition of the former Wilko building on Holton Road demonstrate our commitment to investing in Barry and exploring new opportunities to bring activity and life back into the heart of the town.”
Rachel Honey-Jones, Chief Officer at Barry Town Council, said: “One key theme in the Plan looks at refocusing the town centre, including investment in cultural and community facilities, improvements to public spaces and townscape, support for local retail on all the Town’s shopping streets, and opportunities for new development.
“The plan aligns closely with our aspirations as a Town Council to promote the heritage of Barry and find a place where all types of history can come together under one roof.
“Sports provision across the Town has also come through strongly across the board and this now gives us a platform to work with the sports community to take a holistic view of what is needed in relation to that.”
Most towns across Wales now have or are developing a Placemaking Plan, supported by the Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme.
For more information on placemaking in the Vale of Glamorgan, visit https://participate.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/hub-page/placemaking
Former Holm View Leisure Centre could become education and community hub
ScoutsCymru members represent Wales at Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance
Plans for indoor market at former Barry Wilko move forward
Police given additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in Barry
Senedd passes supplementary budget with £60m boost for additional learning needs
Future of planned festive events in question after criminal damage to Barry Town Hall
Consultation to open on plans for 35MW solar farm near Penarth
No Trains through the Vale of Glamorgan this Sunday
Police and Cardiff City launch operation to tackle matchday anti-social behaviour
Free leaf and fallen fruit collections return in the Vale
Barry retains Fairtrade Town status until 2029
£1m improvements planned for Pencoedtre Park as splashpad work set to begin
Plan submitted for new independent school on site of well-known charity farm
Is your hot water bottle safe?
Solicitor sentenced for defrauding Cancer Research UK
Cate is crowned champion!
WATCH: Winner of The Voice UK Cate McHugh duets with Sir Tom Jones
Barry filmmaker takes her documentary to the big screen in New York
Pupils leave their mark on new school at steel signing event
£3m refurbishment plans revealed for Cowbridge Town Hall
