News - Barry transport hub a step closer

28th May 2010

A major project to create a "transport hub" near the centre of Barry has taken an important step forward

 A long-awaited study on a proposed park-and-ride scheme at Barry Docks railway station has been completed and is almost certain to be agreed by Vale of Glamorgan council leaders next week.

The scheme is the first stage in a larger and more wide-ranging regional transport strategy for the Vale of Glamorgan which is partly designed to persuade people to use their cars less and public transport more.

The strategy includes the transport hub at what will be called Barry Central Station and would include taxi ranks and a bus station.

Following the study by private consultants, council officers have recommended backing the park-and-ride scheme in principle and are carrying out further investigations into the cost and funding of the project.

The development is linked with the pedestrian footbridge that joins the town with Barry Waterfront which was recently opened.

Rhodri Traherne, the council's cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said the South East Wales Transport Alliance (Sewta) had provisionally set aside £500,000 for the capital works costs over the 2010-2012 financial years.

He said: Providing affordable, quick and high-quality strategic park-and-ride services directly into city and town centres will reduce local congestion and associated pollution, making our cities and towns healthier environments for living and working, and the network more efficient.

Consultants Atkins have produced three design options, ranging from 85 car parking spaces to 103 spaces.

Councillors are looking at a variation of the options which would cost between £771,522 and £774,488. The scheme relies on 100% of the costs being met from an Assembly Government transport grant allocated via Sewta.

Paul Haley, chairman of the Pride in Barry group, welcomed the move as another step in boosting the image of Barry and attracting more people to the town.

It will link in with the improvements that are planned for Thompson Street, which include a new road and a tree-lined avenue which are all designed to make the area more attractive for shoppers and visitors, he said.

The transport hub fits in well with this but what we also need is a footbridge at Barry train station further down the line to link the planned development of 2,000 houses and shops, pub and restaurants with Broad Street.

Nick Frangoulis, chairman of the Holton Road Traders Association, said: It will certainly encourage people to use the railway and public transport. It will also be good for the environment.

Source: Peter Collins South Wales Echo