The Vale of Glamorgan Council has said it is set to approve a new Placemaking Plan alongside Barry Town Council this month.
Placemaking focuses on working together to improve the places where people live, work and spend time. It involves listening to local communities and using new ideas to make towns and neighbourhoods more welcoming, vibrant and useful for everyone.
The Council said the plan will be the fourth to be developed in partnership with Town Councils in the Vale and is expected to help unlock future funding opportunities for the town centre and beyond.
Work to develop the Barry Placemaking Plan began in 2024 and has been shaped through collaboration with residents, local businesses, organisations and elected members, who shared their ideas and priorities for the future of the town.
According to the Council, the plan focuses on improvements in the town centre, as well as strengthening connections across the town and revitalising Barry Island.
It added that the document is not fixed and is intended to be a living plan that will continue to evolve as community needs change.
The Council also emphasised that delivery will not sit solely with the two authorities, with local people expected to play an active role in shaping and delivering projects as they develop.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “I am so pleased that we have been able to work together on this plan and that it has been shaped by the people who live and work here.
“A key priority within the plan is strengthening the town centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Recent steps such as the Council’s acquisition of the former Wilko building on Holton Road demonstrate our commitment to investing in Barry and exploring new opportunities to bring activity and life back into the heart of the town.”
Rachel Honey-Jones, Chief Officer at Barry Town Council, said: “One key theme in the Plan looks at refocusing the town centre, including investment in cultural and community facilities, improvements to public spaces and townscape, support for local retail on all the Town’s shopping streets, and opportunities for new development.
“The plan aligns closely with our aspirations as a Town Council to promote the heritage of Barry and find a place where all types of history can come together under one roof.
“Sports provision across the Town has also come through strongly across the board and this now gives us a platform to work with the sports community to take a holistic view of what is needed in relation to that.”
The Council noted that most towns across Wales either have or are developing a Placemaking Plan, supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.
