A major update has been agreed in council plans for the redevelopment of a former Wilko shop in Wales’ largest town.
In 2023, the Wilko store in Holton Road, Barry, closed and, despite marketing since early 2024, no buyers were willing to take on the location.
A report presented to Vale of Glamorgan Council reads: “The site occupies a key location and is well suited to uses that drive footfall, increase dwell time, and diversify the high street offer. “
In July 2025 the council’s cabinet approved the use of a £1m Welsh Government loan to acquire the building with the acquisition being completed in January 2026.
Now, during a cabinet meeting held on June 11, the council agreed a series of measures to begin the process of bringing the unit back into active use with the aim to “support the regeneration of and long-term viability of the town centre”.
During the meeting council leader Lis Burnett said: “Everyone is really really keen to get this going as fast as possible but we are dealing with public money… [we] have to make sure everything is completely accountable.”
A range of uses for the vacant unit were suggested in the meeting and its report.
These include pop-up events, workshops, engagement activities, and evening events. During the meeting special attention was given by the leader and her deputy, Cllr Bronwen Brooks, to the possibility of using the space as an indoor market though this has not been confirmed.
During the same meeting Cllr Burnett made it explicitly clear what the building would not be. “It will not be converted into housing,” she said.
The report lists “initial project goals” for the redevelopment including revitalising the town centre, stimulating economic growth, enhancing community value, demonstrating public sector leadership, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Deputy leader Cllr Brooks said this represented a “fantastic opportunity” and a “once in a lifetime opportunity for us”.
She added: “This will be for the people of the Vale.”
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