Vale of Glamorgan Council says a regneration scheme for Barry's waterfront will still go ahead despite losing one of its key backers.
Doubts had been raised by local councillors over the future of the scheme as the marina formed a key part of the proposal that went to the UK Government as part of an application for funding.
But council leader Lis Burnett told a cabinet meeting on Thursday that the £19m scheme will go ahead - without a new marina - adding she was "really looking forward to bringing this project to fruition."
Cllr Mark Wilson, cabinet member for neighbourhood and building services, said the scheme will be “amazing” when completed and “act as a catalyst for further developments in this area of Barry”.
A report discussed by cabinet members at the meeting states funding for the project has been secured up until March 2028, which is the target completion date.
Vale of Glamorgan Council is partnering with The Ocean Watersports Trust and Cardiff and Vale College on the scheme.
It will see the Barry Dock Office in Ffordd Y Mileniwm transformed into a business hub, the creation of a new public park, and a new educational and water sports activity centre on The Mole.
The council is currently tendering via Sell2Wales the opportunity for an operator to take on the management of the Grade II-listed Dock Office.
However, the local authority intends to carry out the necessary refurbishment work at the building using the available grant funding.
Subject to the necessary planning consents being in place, work is expected to begin during the 2026-27 financial year.
Cllr Burnett said in May she was “extremely disappointed” to learn of ABP's withdrawal from the marina scheme after it conducted a market testing exercise
Theycalled the conclusion of the exercise “regretful” at the time, but added it had already committed significant resources to the overall project and intended continue contributing to it.
Work to transform The Mole will see the former industrial site at Barry Waterfront remediated and a new spinal road built there to serve the site.
The educational and water sports activity centre will include meeting rooms, training rooms, function rooms, changing rooms, boat storage, and a cafe overlooking the water.
Opposition councillors demanded answers on the future of Barry Making Waves after ABP’s announcement on the marina.
Cllr Mark Hooper, who represents the Baruc ward for Plaid Cymru, said he was surprised by the company’s announcement and asked whether Barry would still be allowed the funding to carry out the rest of the project.
Concerns were raised over the status of millions in grant funding awarded to the Vale of Glamorgan after the UK Government announced that it was conducting a spending review following the general election.
The council’s report on Barry Making Waves also states the UK Government wrote to Vale of Glamorgan Council last month to “outline simplification changes to the Levelling Up Fund”.
According to the council, this includes the UK Government no longer requiring councils to seek approval from Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) for any changes to project activities and / or spend profiles subject to a number of conditions.
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