The Consortium behind the £230m Barry Waterfront development has agreed for the Vale Council to facilitate vehicular access across part of its development site during peak traffic periods
The agreement means that an area of land, previously used as an overflow car park, will be opened up for this coming Easter weekend and other busy periods over the summer.
The Consortium has also agreed to open up part of the land, earmarked for the proposed ‘The Quays’ development, as an alternative exit from Barry Island during busy periods to reduce traffic congestion.
Working in conjunction with the Council and police, the Consortium has been able to reach an agreement, with health and safety and insurance measures in place, that will allow vehicles access on a strictly controlled basis and with entry points manned by the Council.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Richard Keogh said: “We are pleased to be able reach an agreement with the Council to use part of our proposed development site as an overflow car park and also open the land to allow vehicles out during peak periods, under the supervision of the Council.
“While the site has not been opened up to through traffic by us, due to it not being a proper and safe route, we hope these measures will help to somewhat reduce the traffic congestion on the Island.
“A key element of the Consortium’s proposals include plans for a new link road giving access to both Barry Island and the Waterfront Development, which would not only provide an alternative route for vehicles, but will also include elements that make it safe for use by pedestrians and cyclists.”
Under the proposals, the road will form an extension to the existing Ffordd-y-Milleniwm distributor road and will run through the centre of the Waterfront development, providing access to a new primary school, district centre and café quarter, community facility, waterside public realm, park areas and housing.
Mr Keogh continues: “We are continuing to work closely with the Council to help bring this vital link road to Barry, as well as all of the employment opportunities and resulting economic benefits that will stem from significant investment in a regenerated waterfront area.”
According to an economic impact study carried out by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, ‘The Quays’ will create up to 1,300 jobs across south east Wales, with almost two-thirds likely to be based in the local area, and a further 1,700 person-years of construction employment that would be created over a nine-year build period. The construction phase of the scheme would also result in the creation of an additional 30 indirect jobs at a local level and a further 170 indirect jobs nationally.