A collection of apartments within one of Barry Island’s best-known buildings, has been brought to the market for sale by Savills.
Built in 1920, the Merrie Friars’ building has been a prominent landmark on the seafront for almost a century. One of the earliest buildings to accompany the fairground along the esplanade, it has played host to a dance hall, gym and amusement arcade over the years.
The building regularly featured in the BBC TV series, Gavin and Stacey, which was filmed on the Island, with the seafront being a key location. It is also expected to play a role in the new Christmas special of the programme, which is due to air on Christmas Day.
The new development, known as Elysium, will see the original art deco façade of the building sensitively restored to its former glory, including reintroducing balconies, while the first and second floors will be reconfigured into six high quality two and three bedroom apartments.
Nicholas Gannon and his father Tony Gannon are the directors of Oakwater, the developer behind the scheme. Nicholas, who was born and grew up in Barry, sees the restoration and redevelopment as an opportunity to support the wider regeneration of the town.
He comments:
“I have a close and longstanding connection to the Merrie Friars’ building – having spent time here when it was a nightclub and a gym. Not only is it a special piece of architecture but its location on the prom overlooking the sea is second to none. When the opportunity came up I knew I had to take it.
“The project is personal for me, and I feel a real responsibility to do it justice. I am incredibly proud of the scheme, which I am confident will get the ball rolling for further regeneration of the area. Barry is such a beautiful island and deserves the investment in its future.”
The six individually designed lateral apartments have generous footprints of between 936 and 1,421 square feet. Each home has a private balcony and five also have terraces.
The internal specifications are high quality and contemporary in design. Finishes include intelligent mood lighting, Egyptian cotton painted walls and aluminium bi-fold doors. Smart heating systems, including underfloor heating, are powered by air source heat pumps.
All the apartments are being offered for sale with at least one private allocated parking space.
Claire Turner is marketing the apartments on behalf of Savills residential development sales team in Cardiff. She comments:
“A thoughtful and sensitive conversion of a local landmark, with spacious and well-designed apartments that take full advantage of the fantastic views over Whitmore Bay, Elysium is a first-of-its-kind scheme.
“Famous for its Victorian heritage, Barry Island is one of South Wales’ most popular seaside resorts, with a growing independent food and drink scene, as well as its traditional seaside attractions. The apartments are an exciting opportunity for buyers looking for a contemporary coastal retreat with charm.”
Works to the exterior of the building are nearly complete, and the apartments are expected to be complete and ready to move into in spring 2025.
Guide prices at Elysium start at £350,000 for a two bedroom first floor apartment with a sea view balcony and harbour view terrace, and £570,000 for a three bedroom second floor penthouse with a sea view balcony and large harbour view terrace.
