Our local charity, the Ocean Watersports Trust is thrilled to report that Big Lottery funding has been obtained to progress the design for the Barry Community Water Activity Centre, on the Mole in Barry Docks,
The funding allows for the second phase of the concept building to proceed, and enables the Trust to use professional resources to complete the design, determine costing and submit planning applications that will eventually result in a major development, providing an iconic structure at the heart of our town.
The present design was the winner in an Architectural Competition in 2015 and can now be fully developed by the successful firm, Richard Andrews Architects of Newport.
The building will provide a community centre, available for all varieties of activities, including educational use, receptions, meetings and many other social purposes, alongside the Water Activity Centre, which already offers many water based opportunities.
The chairman of the Trust, Chris Basten stated that the Big Lottery has given the Ocean Watersports Trust an opening to add to the work already completed, which includes the provision of a slipway, and teaching and changing rooms. He added that when we started this project a mere 4 years ago, we expected to make the Centre available to 6 voluntary groups, but there were now 27 using the site, some 1700 people. He stressed that none of the work done so far, or that which would be carried out in the future, could have been done without the support of the people of Barry, who, by just completing surveys, or vocally supporting the project, have been a major element in getting to this point. He was certain that they would be rewarded by the provision of the new Community Centre, and make use of it for years to come.
However more money needs to be raised, and the Trust invites anyone interested to contact the Treasurer (01446 741733 or the Secretary (Tel. 07928 420080) who will be delighted to help you in advising how you can help with the project, either financially or by volunteering to help run the Centre.