My plan for a Barry Marina is part of our 'Levelling Up' ambitions to help boost our local economy by attracting further investment and jobs. I officially approved the bid which was recently signed off by the UK Government. The £20 million Barry Marina is in addition to the additional £20 million UK Government investment secured for town centre regeneration.
- My priority is to ensure that these projects act as a catalyst to attract more investment. I have been working with local investors to make a difference. Until now there are few modern employment sites available to create more jobs in Barry. This will change that. This project will be a major boost for the whole of the town. I am determined to ensure that we will connect all parts of Barry to these exciting opportunities.
- The investment will come from the UK Government ‘Levelling Up Fund’, bidding for planned funding of up to £20 million, with the purpose of continuing the regeneration of the area. The package of projects will see new modern employment centres, a flagship building for the Ocean Watersports Trust, new leisure facilities and the Marina.
- There is already a pipeline of projects planned for more than £100 million, including proposals for a new waterfront college campus, primary school, and high-quality office accommodation as well as new facilities for rail providers, a transport interchange and a mixed housing and health gateway scheme.
- I launched a survey for residents on the waterfront and the feedback was amazingly positive. Nearly 80% of responses supported my plan for the Marina, and I have been keen to push these projects ever since.