In a surprise announcement on Wednesday afternoon (28th May), the Vale Council said that a marina on Barry Waterfront appears to be dead in the water.
The saga began when the then Conservative government announced that it intended to fund the project at a cost of £20 million – cash allocated from the ‘Levelling up’ fund.
Vale MP Alun Cairns was an enthusiastic supporter but then he went on to lose his seat to Labour’s Kanishka Narayan. When Labour came in, the plan was placed on review but then Labour decided, in 2024, to confirm that the cash was available.
Now, however, the Vale Council leader, Cllr Lis Burnett has said: “The council is extremely disappointed to learn from Associated British Ports (ABP) that the marina element of the Levelling Up Making Waves Project is no longer deemed viable due to rising operating costs.
“However, despite this clear setback, we believe the project can be delivered without the marina component, subject to UK Government agreement.
“The Making Waves scheme will still seek to retain leisure use on the water by bringing a new water sports centre to the Mole which will be operated jointly by the Ocean Water Sports Trust and Cardiff and Vale College. It will also see the creation of a public park for all to enjoy and will facilitate the delivery of much-needed housing.
“The scheme also includes the upgrading of the Grade 2* listed Dock Office into business incubator space to support local economic growth. We will now focus our attention on delivering these projects and will be seeking the agreement of the UK Government for this amended scheme.”
The council statement followed a statement by ABP, where a spokesperson said: “Associated British Ports is continuing to work closely with the Vale Council regarding the Barry Making Waves Regeneration Project. We are looking at the right, viable ways we can contribute to the project and to the council’s goals, that ABP shares, of driving more growth and prosperity for Barry.
“ABP has been working closely with the Vale Council team for a number of years, including on the concept of a marina development, and has committed significant resources to the project. We have recently concluded a thorough market testing exercise, using third party experts and including engagement with marina operators, which has led ABP to the regretful conclusion that we cannot proceed with the significant investment required in a marina.”
“We remain committed to working with all stakeholders regarding the shared ambition of maximising the opportunity of the Levelling Up Fund award from the UK Government. We look forward to pursuing our ongoing dialogue with the Vale Council.”
The Glamorgan Star understands that a major stumbling block regarding the marina is inflation of construction and operational costs for marinas.
Vale MP Kanishka Narayan said: “I am disappointed that the marina element of plans for Barry has been found to be not viable commercially. I will continue to work with local residents, the council, and ABP to make that vision a reality.”
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