Passing Comment – Whatever happened to ambitious plans for Barry Island’s Victorian toilet?
By Sue Vincent Jones
WELL, after all the drama of the Cadstock weather chaos, I’m turning my thoughts to toilets – especially the ones blocked off at Barry Island.
The delayed redevelopment of the lovely lavatories has flushed away an anticipated unique dining out experience this Summer – well at least for now.
Shame really, as even more exciting eateries would add to the growing mix of quality new restaurants that have sprung up in the town over the last few months. Tasty tapas, Turkish treats, and a sizzling steak house all add to our appeal – and our Saturday night dinner choices…at last.
But not on busy Barry Island it seems, despite the plans to redevelop the said site being submitted in 2019. Next Colour were the developers destined to transform the Grade II-listed Victorian toilet block building into four commercial units with outdoor seating space.
Two tenants, Loungers and Harbour Bar, were announced shortly after with hopes that the long-standing eyesore would soon be a buzzing hub.
But then came the Covid chaos and the Brexit business – both of which the developers blame for the delay. And we have now seen the Grade II listed building fall into further rack and ruin.
I did notice on one of our recent Sunday strolls that the bog was all boarded up now but with no nice billboard pictures to give a taste of what’s to come.
As for Next Colour, all that can be heard (apparently) is the swirling sound of tumbleweed on the several occasions when local newspapers and broadcasters have asked for an update.
Our Vale Council however, confirms the receipt of revised plans, and ‘remains hopeful’ some form of redevelopment will take place. There was a long statement issued. Sorry I can’t share it as it would take up my word count.
But I can reveal that a coffee shop is on the cards – like we don’t have enough of them on the Island.
So, as our Sumner season fires up for the next few months, the lavatory turned leisure site remains dark and desolate. Bang goes the novelty of brunching in a bog, which, call me weird, I was quite looking forward to.
Let’s just hope they don’t pull the chain altogether eh?
What do you think?
By Sue Vincent Jones
- The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors.
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