The Vale of Glamorgan Council has unveiled the newly transformed Engine Room Business Centre in the heart of Barry Waterfront’s Innovation Quarter.
The completion of the Engine Room Transformation Project marks a significant milestone in the Council’s commitment to supporting local economic growth and sustainability.
The centre now offers 11 high-quality business units designed to meet the needs of a growing local business community, with enhanced facilities that promote collaboration, flexibility, and a greener way of working.
As part of the transformation, the main entrance has been redesigned to create a more welcoming, accessible space as well as communal spaces outside to include cycle parking and seating. The existing public car park has been extended and resurfaced with new signage installed and landscaping work in the surrounding area.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the Engine Room be transformed into a modern multipurpose space where businesses can grow, connect, and collaborate.“This state-of-the-art business centre is one that continues to support innovation, encourages inward investment, and drives economic growth in the Vale.“With environmentally friendly features like the new living wall and a greener heating system, the space reflects our Project Zero commitments as a Council to become carbon neutral by 2030.”
Funded with over £1 million from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the project was delivered by local contractor Kingfisher Developments.
The Engine Room is part of a wider regeneration initiative at the Innovation Quarter – another joint venture between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Welsh Government.
The area has already seen the successful redevelopment of the Pumphouse into retail units, the opening of a Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre and West Quay Medical Centre, and the development of the Goodsheds.
A new primary school, Ysgol St Baruc, has also opened, and Cardiff and Vale College is preparing to build a major new campus nearby.
Previously used as an IT skills centre, the Engine Room has experienced growing demand since the Council repurposed the space in 2015.
