### Barry Waterfront Regeneration Project Faces Setback as Marina Dropped
Concerns are mounting in Barry this week after a key element of the town’s much-anticipated waterfront redevelopment plan was scrapped. Associated British Ports (ABP), a principal partner in the project, has announced it will no longer provide funding for the planned marina, a move that has triggered calls for clarity and accountability from both local residents and political figures.
The withdrawal of ABP support was made public on 28 May 2025, with the company citing the substantial investment required for the marina as a pivotal concern. This sudden decision has raised questions about project planning and the future direction of regeneration efforts on Barry’s waterfront, commonly referred to as the ‘Barry Making Waves’ project.
Plaid Cymru councillor Mark Hooper, who represents the Barry Waterfront ward, voiced his frustration at the handling of the situation. He argued that market analysis should have been finalised far earlier, before officials expended significant resources. “Residents in Barry deserve answers,” Cllr Hooper remarked, questioning the decision-making process that allowed extensive work to go ahead without confirming firm commitments from business partners.
The marina was a centrepiece of the council’s successful £20 million ‘levelling-up’ fund bid, aimed at revitalising the area with new leisure facilities, housing, and business opportunities. The Vale of Glamorgan Council secured funding from the Westminster government in late 2023, and initial celebrations were briefly put on hold pending a government review after the general election.
Despite ABP’s change of heart, Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Lis Burnett has tried to reassure locals, insisting the wider project remains viable. “While this is undoubtedly a setback, we remain confident in our ability to deliver the scheme’s remaining elements, pending UK government approval,” said Cllr Burnett. She emphasised that features such as a water sports centre, public park, and business incubator space in the historic Dock Office are still set to go ahead.
Nonetheless, concerns persist about the impact of losing the marina and whether this might jeopardise the future of funding itself. Conservative Senedd Member Andrew RT Davies described the development as “extremely concerning,” warning of the potentially severe implications for Barry’s levelling-up agenda. He has called for immediate discussions with the council to find alternative partners and ensure project continuity.
ABP’s own statement acknowledged the company’s longstanding involvement with the project, including significant financial and advisory input over a number of years. The company explained that a comprehensive market testing process, which included consultation with experts and prospective marina operators, ultimately concluded that the required outlay could not be justified. Despite this setback, ABP expressed willingness to stay engaged with the council and contribute to other aspects of the waterfront’s regeneration.
Further details have been requested by both politicians and the public regarding the future scope of the project. Questions remain over whether the unspent portion of levelling-up funds will still be available for redevelopment, or if Westminster could reclaim it given the withdrawal of a key component.
The altered plan for Barry’s waterfront still promises substantial changes, including a new water sports centre to be co-managed by the Ocean Water Sports Trust and Cardiff and Vale College, as well as an accessible public park and improved housing stock. The council has also highlighted ambitions to upgrade the listed Dock Office to support local start-ups and stimulate economic growth.
As stakeholders navigate the road ahead, ongoing dialogue is expected between the council, ABP, the UK Government and local partners. What remains clear is that, while the marina plan has been shelved, the desire to revitalise Barry’s waterfront endures—though now with a heightened demand for transparency and community engagement. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched as the townsfolk seek assurances that their hopes for regeneration will not be disappointed.