UPDATED JUNE 4TH 2026 – SEE END OF REPORT
The Mole, Barry Waterfront is part of Barry’s number one dock. It was one of the locations where coal would be loaded on to the ships from the trains. This undeveloped and large peninsular of land is strategically placed alongside the new waterfront’s district centre and is the proposed site of Barry’s new marina.
Levelling up funds of £20 million for regeneration have been awarded by central government.
The Mole is on the west side of the dock and is overlooked from the South by the recent residential development at South Quay. Accessed from Neptune Road to the West, the dock gates allow access to the Waterfront by boat from the sea.
The site is currently use by Barry Community Water Activity Centre which is operating from temporary facilities for local organisations. The most recent planning applications include re-siting the water activity centre to the community recreation land adjacent to East Quay. This purpose built facility will not only benefit the local organisations but also local Schools, Youth Clubs and the general public giving them access to carry out activities on the water.
THE PENINSULAR OF WASTE LAND KNOWN AS THE MOLE
TIMELINE OF PLANS AND PROPOSALS FOR THE MOLE AND BARRY MARINA
June 2022 MINUTES OF VALE OF GLAMORGAN CABINET MEETIN
Matter which the Chairman has decided is urgent by reason of the need for Cabinet to consider the
current proposals for the Levelling Up Fund (Round 2) and UK Shared Prosperity Fund prior to the
submission deadlines of 6th July, 2022 and 1st August, 2022, respectively.FULL DETAIL OF PROPOSALS at Cabinet Meeting
VALE OF GLAMORGAN WEBSITE PRESS RELEASE: READ ON WEBSITE
Council presents ambitious levelling-up bid for Barry
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is to bid for £20m of funding from the UK Government Levelling Up Fund to transform the Barry Docks waterfront.
- Thursday, 23 June 2022. Vale of Glamorgan
Shaped by the town’s maritime and industrial history, the bid comprises two key projects which together will form a huge package of investment to continue the regeneration of docks area and the surrounding waterfront.
A new marina at the site known as The Mole is the centrepiece of the plans. The marina would attract visitors and tourists to the town and serve as the catalyst for the next stage of the regeneration of the docks.
As part of this a business incubator aims to grow innovative new businesses in Barry and create local jobs. It will see the development of a commercial model for a co-working innovation space, where meetings and events can be delivered alongside high-level digital skills training.The incubator will fit post-Covid working patterns which are seeing increasing demand for co-working in collaborative innovation spaces, where people can come together on a regular basis to discuss ideas.
These spaces create opportunities to make introductions with like-minded people and with potential project partners, develop ideas into products and services, as well as develop and scale companies.
The second project of the package is the construction of a new, green, purpose built watersports facility at Barry Waterfront. Designed to boost leisure opportunities and wider community use of the area, the facility would provide a new home for the Ocean Watersports Trust.This will not only benefit local clubs and organisations but also schools, youth groups, and the general public by giving them access to first class facilities to enjoy the water. The new space would provide meeting rooms, community spaces and classrooms, as well as equipment storage space.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “This is the most ambitious plan for investment in Barry that has ever been produced. The proposals would transform the old docks area and take Barry Waterfront to another level.
“Most importantly the bid is not just ambitious, it is coherent, deliverable and chimes with our aim to ensure that communities have the facilities and infrastructure they need. The schemes within it have been developed to complement each other in attracting very different types of investment into the town. This will allow Barry to grow while also broadening what it offers to residents, visitors and investors alike.
“We believe that Barry has a strong case for levelling-up funding. We will be making that point loud and clear. This is an investment in communities and jobs, and I truly hope the UK Government can see that as clearly as we all can in the Vale.”
Simon Brown, Divisional Port Manager for ABP Wales and South West, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Barry. We know there is a real desire to see a Marina developed around the Mole and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn these plans and ambitions into a reality, creating jobs and attracting further investment along the way.”
Alun Cairns MP said, “This investment will make such a significant difference to the whole of Barry and is part of our commitment to Level Up the UK. The £20 million package of investment is part of my plan for the next step in the regeneration of the town. I am very excited to see these plans come to life which will bring new investment, exciting job opportunities and a brilliant new Marina to the Waterfront!
“My priority is to ensure that these projects act as a catalyst to attract more investment so that everyone in Barry will benefit. This project will be a major boost for the whole of the town. I am determined to ensure that we will connect all parts of Barry to these exciting opportunities. We also need to ensure that traffic management is at the heart of the plan.
“I am optimistic that the bid will be successful and that these ambitious plans will be seen through!”
The UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund is designed to ensure that opportunities are more consistent across the country by offering support to areas that are currently at a disadvantage. The UK Government is seeking single large-scale bids from Local Authorities at short notice in order to support its Levelling up agenda. Money from the fund can be used to finance local schemes, including town centre and high street regeneration, improving transport systems or on projects relating to culture and heritage.
The Council is welcoming comments from residents and other interested parties ahead of finalising its bid for submission. Council representatives will be at Barry Library between Monday 27 June and Weds 29 June from 10.00am – 5:00pm to discuss the bid in person.
More information is available at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/levellingupbid
November 2022 The design and access statement below was submitted in support of an outline planning application for land at The Mole, Barry Waterfront. In this statement they produce planning proposals for the buildings on The Mole and artists images of what the 400 berth marina would likely look like. The design and access statement is copyrighted but available to download online for closer scrutiny.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION SEE VALE OF GLAMORGAN WEBSITE
BARRY WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
Barry Watersports Centre, Linear Park View (The Mole) Site Photo from Vale of Glamorgan Council Public Consultation Document DIRECT LINK
Barry Watersports Centre, Linear Park View (The Mole) Site Photo from Vale of Glamorgan Council Public Consultation Document DIRECT LINK
A new marina at the site known as The Mole is the centrepiece of the plans. The marina would attract visitors and tourists to the town and serve as the catalyst for the next stage of the regeneration of the docks.
Innovative business incubator hubs – a range of small units to suit a variety of businesses – would sit alongside the marina. The units would give small enterprises space to grow and while generating new jobs for Barry. The development would also include units for hospitality businesses. New residential properties would also feature in the rejuvenated docks area as well as landscaped public open space to create a welcoming gateway for residents and visitors.
A new watersports centre for the Vale
Barry Watersports Centre, Linear Park View (The Mole) Site Photo from Vale of Glamorgan Council Public Consultation Document DIRECT LINK
Barry Watersports Centre, Linear Park View (The Mole) Site Photo from Vale of Glamorgan Council Public Consultation Document DIRECT LINK
The second project of the package is the construction of a new, green, purpose built watersports facility at Barry Waterfront. Designed to boost leisure opportunities and wider community use of the area, the facility would provide a new home for the Ocean Watersports Trust. This will not only benefit local clubs and organisations but also schools, youth groups, and the general public by giving them access to first class facilities to enjoy the water. The new space would provide meeting rooms, community spaces and classrooms, as well as equipment storage space.
DAS BARRY WATERFRONT | THE MOLE | MASTERPLAN DIRECT LINK
UPDATE SUMMER 2025
Associated British Ports (ABP) officially pulled their funding for the proposed Barry marina in May 2025. Citing soaring operational costs and a lack of financial viability, ABP stated they could no longer commit to the “significant investment” required to build it.
The marina was originally the centrepiece of the £19.8 million Levelling Up-funded “Barry Making Waves” regeneration project. Despite the cancellation of the 200-berth marina, the Vale of Glamorgan Council confirmed the rest of the scheme will still go ahead.
Revised plans for the multi-million pound development on The Mole include:
- A brand new watersports activity centre
- A large public park and events area
- A business hub located at the historic Barry Dock Office on Ffordd Y Mileniwm
- Refurbishment for Cardiff and Vale College
UPDATE ON 3RD JUNE 2026 by Vale Council
Regeneration at Barry’s Waterfront Gathers Pace
Exciting progress is being made on Vale of Glamorgan Council plans to transform Barry’s waterfront, with the Making Waves regeneration project moving forward.
This is being funded with the support of just under £20 million from the UK Government Levelling Up Programme.
A report considered by the Council’s Cabinet last week explains that work on the iconic Dock Office is firmly on track, with renovation works set to begin shortly.
In a nod to its proud history, this landmark building is being given a new lease of life as it’s transformed into a support hub for businesses. The Dock Office is being restored to its original purpose, a thriving centre for business at the heart of the docks, with plans to appoint an operator now at an advanced stage, marking another important step towards reopening the building.
Meanwhile, progress is also being made on an area of Barry waterfront known as The Mole. Survey work has been completed and plans are moving forward to create a vibrant, multi-use waterfront destination, including water sports facilities, education space, and a new park. Proposals also include provision for new homes, which will follow other elements of the scheme.
Councillor Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “We’re really starting to see this project come to life and it’s fantastic news for Barry.
“The Dock Office is a much-loved building, and seeing work about to begin on site is a huge milestone. We’re transforming a historic landmark into a modern, exciting space that will support businesses, attract investment and bring more people into the area.
“This is all about building a brighter future for Barry, creating jobs, strengthening the local economy and making the most of our incredible waterfront.”
The Barry Making Waves programme, backed by UK Government funding, represents a major investment in the town, helping to revitalise the waterfront, create jobs and provide new spaces for businesses, leisure and community use.
BARRY WATERFRONT – READ ABOUT THE PROGRESS MADE TO DATE
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF THE DOCKS AT BARRY
