barry regeneration progress report and appendix report… · commencing on site in 2016. resource...

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Agenda Item No. 9

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment): 6th October 2015

Report of the Managing Director

Barry Regeneration Progress Report

Purpose of the Report

1. To apprise Committee of the Welsh Government's Barry Regeneration Area Achievements Report (2010-2014), and to outline how various initiatives and proposals have been progressed following the close of the Welsh Government's Barry Regeneration Area programme at the end of March 2014.

Recommendations

1. That the Welsh Government's Barry Regeneration Area Achievements Report (2010-2014) be noted.

2. That the progress being made with various initiatives and proposals following the close of the Welsh Government's Barry Regeneration Area programme at the end of March 2014 be noted.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1. To apprise Committee of the situation. 2. To apprise Committee of the situation.

Background

2. The Barry Regeneration Area programme was launched by the Welsh Government in March 2010. A total of £9.8m of Welsh Government investment was allocated to the programme, which ran from the years 2010/11 to 2013/14 (inclusive). Barry was one of seven Regeneration Areas declared by the Welsh Government under its Framework for Regeneration Areas (October 2010) policy commitment.

3. From the year 2014/15 the Welsh Government has targeted regeneration investment across Wales through the Vibrant and Viable Places (VVP) Regeneration Framework (March 2013), which will operate to the end of 2016/17.

4. Cabinet (23rd February 2015, C2668 refers) were advised on how various initiatives and proposals have progressed following the close of the Barry Regeneration Area

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programme in 2014. That report was referred to Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) on 24th March 2015.

5. In July 2014 the Council was awarded £1m in capital funding through the VVP programme (Tackling Poverty Fund) over the three financial years 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17.

6. In August 2015 the Council was awarded £842,857 through the VVP programme (Town Centre Repayable Funding Scheme) for the financial year 2015/16.

Relevant Issues and Options

Barry Regeneration Area Achievements Report (2010-2014) 7. In July 2015 the Welsh Government published the Barry Regeneration Area

Achievements Report (2010-2014). A copy of the Achievements Report is attached at Appendix 1. Case studies highlighted in the report include Porthkerry Country Park (Forest Lodge); Gibbonsdown Children's Centre; Pump House (external restoration); and, Eastern Promenade Regeneration, Barry Island. The main conclusions in the Welsh Government's Achievements Report are as follows:

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8. Following the close of the Welsh Government's Barry Regeneration Area programme

at the end of March 2014, the Council formed the Barry Regeneration Advisory Group which held its inaugural meeting in July 2014 following a call for expressions of interest. Cabinet received a progress report on this matter on 23rd February 2015 (C2668 refers) and that report was referred to Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) on 24th March 2015.

9. The Council and Advisory Group members work closely at different spatial levels. A key priority is to review and refresh strategic priorities and align them with emerging policy drivers such as the regeneration framework expected to succeed the current VVP programme in 2017/18. VVP Tackling Poverty Programme for the settlement of Barry

10. Achievements in year 1 (2014/15) of the programme include the completion of the Youth Partnership and Community Internet Café (Youth Hub) at YMCA Barry (Court ward); the upgrade of play areas at Dryden Terrace and Meggitt Road to boost play facilities within the Colcot housing estate (Gibbonsdown ward); and the refurbishment of the former housing area office (Gibbonsdown ward), which includes youth facilities, Wi-Fi provision, computer access, training facilities to support cooking demonstrations and other group training, as well as energy efficiency measures.

11. In year 2 (2015/16) of the programme, investment is targeting George Street play area (Castleland ward); Main Street and Victoria Gardens (Cadoc ward); and Holton Road Commercial Renewal Area (Castleland ward). VVP Town Centre Repayable Funding Scheme for the settlement of Barry

12. For the first tranche of funding the Vale of Glamorgan Council is seeking to provide loans to third parties, The Cadarn Housing Group and Newydd Housing Association, for repayment within an agreed timeframe. The project proposals include Plot 4 Cwrt Bethesda / 35 High Street (Illtyd ward); Haydock House, Holton Road (Buttrills ward); and, 75, 77 and 79 Holton Road (Buttrills ward). All of the sites are currently vacant or underutilised and the funding will help accelerate these projects bringing them forward at the earliest opportunity. Stocktake of other initiatives and proposals

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13. Eastern Promenade Regeneration, Barry Island was a finalist in the Excellence in Planning and Design for the Public Realm category at the recent RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2015. The project is also a finalist for the RTPI Wales Planning Awards 2015.

14. The redeveloped Eastern Promenade at Barry Island has also hosted a number of new events this year. In July Cardiff Blues brought their first ever Beach Rugby Festival to the Island utilising the refurbished Eastern Shelter and Beach huts and Menter Bro Morgannwg used the new Eastern side Amphitheatre to host their first Welsh Music Festival - “Gwyl Fach y Fro”. Also this summer the Eastern Promenade has provided the backdrop to the Barry Island Weekenders programme which featured the award winning “Isle of Fire”. The refurbished Eastern Promenade has proved to be a popular area, with a number of events already booked in for 2016.

15. The Pump House is one of a number of schemes now being delivered by the private sector. The conversion to provide a mix of uses is underway and generating interest. The project is also a finalist for the RTPI Wales Planning Awards 2015.

16. The Inspiring the Vale Bursary project, supported by the Waterloo Foundation has successfully completed its first year, and is now moving forward into its final 12 months. 25 applicants have to date received funding to start their business. Successful applications have come from all around the Vale. Applications from the Communities First wards in Barry have been encouraged. Workshops have also been held for successful bursary recipients on a variety of subjects including social media, intellectual property and accounting.

17. Barry Communities First Cluster programme is adding value to other anti-poverty programmes in the Vale; Families First and Flying Start, with staff working together to ensure best use of key resources.

18. Barry Communities Water Activities Centre (Ocean Watersports Trust) located on the Mole in Barry No.1 Dock is underway and generating interest with £106,063 provided through section 106 contributions from the waterfront development to help facilitate the provision of a slipway and temporary building to support the use.

19. The Council has upgraded a number of play areas and open spaces throughout Barry, including Central Park, Romilly Park, Belvedere Crescent and Chickenwood play areas using approximately £104,000 in Phase 1 provided through various section 106 agreements. Phase 2 of this play area review will include works to Gladstone Gardens and George Street open space and will continue to utilise section 106 contributions from new developments in Barry.

20. Public Art obligations have been used to enhance the public realm at Barry Waterfront, Merthyr Street, and Barry Town Centre, and will continue to be sought on major development proposals.

21. Section 106 contributions have also been allocated to improve Barry Town Centre through public realm works, special events and through the shop front renewal grant scheme.

22. New affordable housing developments recently completed include Ger y Môr (former Marine Hotel), Barry Island and Tŷ'r Barnwr (former Magistrates Court), Barry Town Centre.

23. Over the past 18 months, the town centre management team has introduced various initiatives in the principal town centres. Barry has benefitted from successful seasonal market events in High Street and King Square. Barry Town Centre is about

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to witness its second Christmas Lights spectacular with a magical projection presentation onto the façade of the town hall building. With more than 1000 visitors witnessing the spectacle last year, a Christmas market is being added to this year’s event on 28th November.

24. The Upper Holton Road Regeneration Scheme is now in its second year and building upon the success of the residential facelift programme, which has transformed the street scene throughout the Castleland Renewal Area. The scheme is now well underway with the first three phases of face-lifting the residential accommodation along Upper Holton toad complete. Following on from the facelift improvements the focus has switched to implementing a scheme which covers the renewal of shop fronts and the conversion of redundant shop fronts into residential accommodation.

25. Traffic management proposals are currently being developed for the High Street/Broad Street shopping area. The proposals include improved car parking facilities including additional space for over 40 parking bays, new and improved pedestrian crossing facilities, and improved facilities for cyclists. Other proposed improvements include gateway spaces marking the entrance to the shopping centre, and improvements to bus stops. Later this month Cabinet will consider the consultation feedback report and if necessary amend the scheme prior to work commencing on site in 2016.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

26. None directly attributable to this report.

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

27. The regeneration projects are linked to the key objective of securing sustainable development, both in terms of providing new facilities and services for residents and visitors but also in terms of sustainable methods of construction.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)


Crime and Disorder Implications


Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)


Corporate/Service Objectives

31. There is broad agreement both in Wales and across the UK that regeneration is a comprehensive process, which aims to tackle a combination of social, economic, physical and environmental issues and that it is focused on areas of disadvantage, particularly those where the market alone cannot deliver improvement. Regeneration therefore requires broad action across a range of Departments and Service Areas and in terms of Barry this is reflected in the content of both the Corporate Plan 2013-17 and Service Plans.

Policy Framework and Budget

32. This report is for information only.

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Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

33. As this report is for information only, Ward Members have not been specifically consulted on the report.

Background Papers

Welsh Government, Framework for Regeneration Areas, October 2010. Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places Regeneration Framework, March 2013. Appendix 1: Welsh Government, Barry Regeneration Area Achievements Report (2010-2014), July 2015. Contact Officer

Dave Williams, Principal Regeneration Officer Officers Consulted

Operational Manager (Accountancy) Principal Lawyer Head of Regeneration and Planning Operation Manager (Regeneration) Responsible Officer

Rob Thomas, Managing Director

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Barry Regeneration Area Achievements Report (2010-2014)

1. Introduction The Barry Regeneration Area was established on 1st April 2010 and was originally intended to run for an initial three-year period although this was later extended to four years. Barry was the seventh and final regeneration area to be started. The operating budget for the initial three and then four year period was £9.8m*. The Barry Regeneration Area Partnership Board was established at the outset with the primary function of approving projects, which accorded with the Themes and Priorities Document. The secretariat for the Board was provided by officials of the Welsh Government. These officials worked closely with officers of the Vale of Glamorgan Council (VOGC) who gave valuable support for the day to day running of the programme. Projects were submitted by project applicants using standardised forms provided by Welsh Government. The 31st March 2014 saw the closure of the four year initiative and 40 projects have been supported by the Barry Regeneration Area Programme. The Barry Area Regeneration Achievement Report has been prepared by Welsh Government with detailed input by members of the Partnership Board who were proactive in the selecting and implementing the mix of regeneration projects in Barry. Whilst the Achievements Report is not an independently evaluated document written by external consultants, it may be regarded as an objective and factual record the achievements which captures important lessons learned around the delivery of the Barry Regeneration programme.

*Original budget was £9.0m and £800k refers to investment in the Pumphouse which substantially completed prior to 1

st April 2010.

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2. Background

Barry lies within the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales, described as an area of rich and diverse countryside, beautiful coastline and attractive and historic settlements. The built environment offers a variety of townscape and architectural quality, from the Victorian housing of Penarth and industrial heritage of Barry, to the older market towns of Cowbridge and Llantwit Major and the surrounding rural settlements. Cardiff, the capital of Wales lies to the East of Barry approximately 8 miles away. Barry saw major growth as a maritime town around the turn of the last century when the docks were built. The docks were the principal catalyst for the development of the town, shipping coal transported from the Welsh Valley collieries. Barry’s old core still focuses on the Docks area and the town centre with the 20th century development largely taking place on the periphery of the town causing it to spread. At the beginning of the 20th century Barry was the largest coal exporting port in the world and for many it was a very popular holiday resort. Greater Barry includes one of the biggest urban waterfronts in the UK. In the 1930’s according to the Great Western Holiday Guide, Barry was known as the “model of enterprise”, with Barry Island, a traditional seaside resort with its long sandy beach offering amusement arcades and funfair, attracting visitors from far afield.

At the beginning of the 21st century the picture is very different. Barry is still a major trading port in South Wales but not for coal, after diversifications its main business is the chemicals industry. The port has direct rail connections to the national rail-freight network to enable fast and efficient distribution. Although no longer a major employer, the port retains considerable expertise in the handling of steel, timber and bulks. Companies in the service sector provide most of the jobs but many shops in Barry town centre are not competing successfully against out of town retailers. Many people still work in the tourist industry, particularly in the summer but as with other UK seaside resorts visitor numbers have fallen, due mainly to people travelling abroad. Barry has two main shopping areas at Holton Road and High Street. A mix of retail shops are located within the centre which offer a variety of shopping opportunities including weekly markets but as a whole it is currently unable to draw external shoppers competing with Cardiff and other successful urban centres. Crime rates in the whole of the Vale have fallen but Barry is still identified as a problem area with unacceptably high rates of social and economic exclusion in the most deprived neighbourhoods. Barry is still best known for its beach -it’s unique selling point Whitmore Bay - and is the first thing which comes to people’s mind when Barry is mentioned –this and Gavin and Stacey! The overall resort has suffered from the final closure of Butlins Holiday Camp in the late 80’s and can no longer rely on a steady flow of long-stay tourists and the spending power this provides. However, on week-ends and especially during the summer holidays the beach

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can be packed. It’s not just Whitmore Bay which makes Barry attractive for visitors as the adjacent beaches at Jackson Bay and Cold Knap and the impressive Porthkerry Park are all in close proximity and connected by the Wales Coastal Footpath.

3. Partnership Formation

The office for National Statistics reported in 2009 confirmed 124,600 people live in the Vale of Glamorgan. Almost 50,000 of this number are concentrated in Barry Town. Whilst economic indicators for the Vale of Glamorgan as a whole out-perform the Wales average in terms school attainment and labour market profile the town of Barry does not do so well. There are a number of challenges:

- Census data (2011) shows there is a lower proportion of residents with a NVQ Level 4 (20%) compared to the Vale of Glamorgan (30%) and Wales (24%), suggesting there is a relative lack of higher skilled individuals in the area and higher skilled job opportunities within Barry.

- The largest shortfall of affordable housing for the Vale of Glamorgan

exists within Barry where existing housing supply is considered to be less than two thirds (522 or 59.9%) of the annual requirement.

- During the key recession period of 2007-12 the yearly average

claimant rate in Barry has risen from 3.1% in 2007 to 5.9% in 2012, an increase of 87%. Over the same period the overall rate for the Vale of Glamorgan rose from 2% to 3.6% and the rate for Wales rose from 2.2% to 4.1%. Barry has therefore retained higher levels of unemployment compared to its wider geographic counterparts through this period.

- The scale of change and unprecedented changes facing the main traditional shopping areas (Holton Road, High Street, Broad Street and Main Street) in Barry.

- The relative lack of holiday bed spaces in the Town provides limited

opportunity for Barry to be anything more than a predominantly day visitor destination.

- The expansion of Communities First and a financial climate which is

currently and likely continue to be tough, is evidence of the need to create the necessary conditions for a more supportive culture for cohesive communities to develop.

- A perception of decline, and a need to improve its image as a place to

live, work and visit. These factors formed the background to the creation of the Barry Regeneration Area in 2010.

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The inaugural meeting of the Partnership Board took place on 14 th July 2010. The Board consisted of 8 members with the option for the Minister to attend. Two Welsh Government officials were members of the Board and Welsh Government also provided the secretariat for the Board meetings. Two senior local authority representatives also attended Board meetings. The other Board members who were approached informally came from Pride in Barry, Vale Centre for Voluntary Services, Newydd Housing Association and Barry College. During the four years the Board was strengthened and the composition of the Board in its final year numbered 15 members from a diverse range of organisations.

Barry Regeneration Area Partnership Board Representation at March 2014

Councillor Lis Burnett (Chair), VOGC Rob Thomas, VOGC Paul Haley, Pride in Barry Mike James, Cardiff and Vale College Rachel Connor, Vale Centre for Voluntary Services Paul Roberts, Newydd Housing Association Richard Keogh, Persimmon Homes Marco Zeraschi, Barry Island Traders Dr Sharon Hopkins, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Councillor Stuart Egan, Barry Town Council Heather Stevens, Waterloo Foundation Peter Cole, Capital Regional Tourism Mark White, Chapter Arts Centre Steve Slocombe, Welsh Government Meurig Watts, Welsh Government

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4. Themes and Priorities Document The Themes and Priorities Document (TPD) formed the key base document for the Board when considering whether to support applications for funding. This document was approved by the Minister in 2011 following a public consultation exercise held at the Dock Office in Barry. It may be accessed through this link: http://gov.wales/topics/housing-and-regeneration/regeneration/strategicareas/barry/?lang=en The TPD was prepared to act as an overarching guide for investment decisions for the Board. This document acts as a reference point for gauging the achievements of the programme. The Board agreed to focus on two objectives: Supporting the development of Barry as an attractive place to live

ensuring Barry benefits from its proximity to Cardiff

making the most of Barry’s affordability as a place to live, including achieving the right mix of housing

developing a more attractive leisure offer and evening economy to encourage Barry residents to spend more of their free time in the town

maintaining a vibrant, well-connected town centre

making sure a strong leisure offer in the Waterfront complements what is available in other parts of the town

addressing access and infrastructure challenges in terms of Barry’s internal geography to make the most of its excellent rail links to Cardiff and elsewhere. Supporting the development of Barry Island as a destination primarily for activity based day trips

securing buy-in for effective, co-ordinated destination management

making the most of natural assets and key sites such as Nell’s Point

overcoming potential barriers to market growth and private sector investment, for example car parking and the short season

securing an all-weather attraction/offer

recognising Barry Island as the foundation of the town’s wider appeal as a tourism and leisure destination – part of the heritage coast of Wales Three cornerstone themes were devised to deliver these objectives:

physical regeneration and tourism

health and well-being

housing and the environment

There was also one overarching theme which covered skills and employment.

http://gov.wales/topics/housing-and-regeneration/regeneration/strategicareas/barry/?lang=en

http://gov.wales/topics/housing-and-regeneration/regeneration/strategicareas/barry/?lang=en

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5. Project Achievements.

The chart below shows the proportion of spend relating to each theme which shows the largest proportion of spend was under the Physical Regeneration/Tourism theme. This was heavily skewed by the final year budget allocation of £3.3m to fund the Barry Island Public Realm Improvements.

The next chart shows the 26 projects were funded under the Health and Well-Being themes for a total spend of £3,066k where as 5 projects were supported under the physical regeneration tourism theme spending £5,861k.

5861

3066

487 386

Proportion of spend by theme (£1000's)

physical regeneration/tourism

health well being

housing /environment

skills employment

5

26

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4

Number of projects supported by theme.

Physical Regeneration/Tourism

Health and Well Being

Housing/Environment

Skills and Employment

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6. Case Studies. Refurbishment of Play Area and new Community Education Centre at Porthkerry Country Park

A new Play Area and Education Centre in Porthkerry Country Park was opened in April 2011, with funding from the Welsh Government Barry Regeneration Area programme. The refurbished play area includes some new equipment and has a maritime theme with climbing frames and a slide and rope swing to suit a variety of ages.

Porthkerry Country Park attracts over 100,000 visitors a year and these numbers are growing. It is being increasingly used by the community, schools and groups. Other improvements include new footpaths, picnic and BBQ sites, interpretation facilities and an all weather parking area.

Visitor numbers have gone up as a direct result of the work done and this has led to two other developments: improvements to the park café and the building of a new educational facility, Forest Lodge.

The owner of the café invested in its refurbishment to include a new decked seated area which now provides a local amenity for park visitors. This is one example of how the regeneration of Porthkerry Park is benefitting local business through the increased tourism trade.

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The Forest Lodge was developed as a new community education facility to promote and educate about the biodiversity of the park. Various local groups use it including the park itself for its volunteer community conservation projects such as work parties, a children’s wildlife group, Porthkerry wildlife survey group and its environmental education service for schools, scout and brownie groups, and youth groups. Some examples of the activities on offer include den building, pond dipping, creative writing workshops, art and craft sessions, nest box building and bat and moth walks.

The lodge has been used by the local community for parties, celebrations, workshops and Santa’s grotto! It’s also used by training organisations, including Vale of Glamorgan Council, Gwent and Glamorgan Archaeological Trust, Forest Education Initiative, the Play Aloud Scheme, Local Biodiversity Action Partnership and the Children and Young Peoples Partnership. Forest Lodge has also proved very popular with schools.

Country Park Ranger Melanie Stewart, said: “What a fantastic asset both projects have been to the park. We’ve seen a massive increase in visitors, with the play area bringing in lots more families with young children, and the lodge allowing us to increase the variety and range of activities the park can offer.”

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Gibbonsdown Children’s and Community Centre

Gibbonsdown Children’s and Community Centre has been transformed thanks to funding from the Welsh Government. More than £370,000 has been invested in renovation work - £261,000 from our Barry Regeneration Area budget and £70,000 from our Flying Start funds. Vale of Glamorgan Council gave £40,000 through its Capital programme and also provided project management support. The Children’s Centre is now up to the standard needed to deliver Flying Start, our targeted Early Years programme. It is also used by play schemes and an after school club. Centre manager Gill Munro said: “Since returning to the centre it has exceeded our expectations. It has made such a positive difference in the lives of all the children and families come here and the staff morale. We love it. I am very proud of the service. It was worth all the hard work, planning, sweat and tears the centre is popular with parents too. Flying Start also use the Community Centre running ‘pop in and play’ and baby massage sessions each week. More plans are in the pipeline including the development of a forest school to educate children and young people, including young offenders, about the environment. Diane McDonald, Chair of the Community Association, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the work that’s been done. It has made a real difference and is a fantastic facility for community use.”

(Note: permission has been obtained to use this photographic image)

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Innovation Quarter and Hydraulic Pump-House at Barry Waterfront

September 2011 saw the completion of the external restoration of Barry’s

historic Hydraulic Pump-House building. The Grade II Listed Building is one of

the few remaining Hydraulic Pump-House buildings remaining in Wales. The

building formed part of Barry’s historic dock complex and remains an

important local landmark with its imposing 42 metres high chimney. The

external fabric of the landmark building has been returned to its former glory

after many years of deterioration, having being derelict since the 1950s. This

has been facilitated through an £800,000 grant from the Welsh Government

matched by Council funding of £600,000 towards the cost of a circa £1.4

million works.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council have recently signed a development agreement with DS Properties (Pontypridd) Limited who have submitted a planning application to create a mixed use leisure and residential development creating 65 new jobs when complete, and the developer will invest £2m to create the transformation.

The restoration of the Pumphouse was complemented by the construction of a new, sustainably designed, 80 bed Premier Inn hotel and Brewers Fayre restaurant on the adjacent triangle site. Construction began in February 2012 and completed and opened to the public in November 2012. The private sector investment in this project is £6.5m and 49 jobs have been created.

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Barry Island Public Realm Improvements.

This was the largest investment made by the Regeneration Area Programme which was made in the last year of operation. The budget for the whole project was £3.3m. The overall aim of the project was to regenerate the Eastern end of Whitmore Bay to improve the leisure experience for tourists, day-trippers and the local community. Another important aspect of the project was to enhance the marketability of the Nell’s Point site and work has been completed to remove contamination and create a temporary over-spill car park and events space.

The main project has concentrated on creating a vastly improved visitor experience at the Eastern end of the promenade. This was a multi-faceted project which involved:

a climbing wall

a new water feature

new toilets

beach-huts

landscape improvements

refurbishment of the Eastern Shelter

landscape improvements

improved signage

new public realm street furniture.

Regeneration work on site autumn 2014

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The re-profiled promenade with Canopy

The Beach Huts (work in progress)

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Beach Huts and Water Feature (spray mist with night time lighting)

The Climbing Wall (spelling YNYS Y BARRI)

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Snapshot of other projects

Top: Iolo Park, Vibe Experience, YMCA BRO Radio, Thompson Street Art

Bottom: Buttrills Community Centre, Community Well Being Coaches

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Pencoedtre Park (Splashpad)

Barry Area Regeneration Achievement Report Discussion Workshop with Partnership Board Members.

A Barry Area Regeneration Achievement Report discussion workshop was held at the Barry Dock Office on 8th May 2015. The workshop aimed to review the details presented in the draft achievements report, include any omitted regeneration programme details and to capture collective and specific Board Member feedback informing the lessons learnt section of the final report. The Board Member attendees at the workshop were as follows:

Councillor Lis Burnett VOGC Rob Thomas VOGC Paul Haley Pride in Barry Councillor Stuart Egan Barry Town Council Kay Martin Cardiff and Vale College Meurig Watts Welsh Government Steve Slocombe Welsh Government Apologies were received from: Peter Cole Capital Regional Tourism Paul Roberts Newydd Housing Association Heather Stevens Waterloo Foundation Rachel Connor Cardiff and Vale Voluntary Services N.B. Written comments were received from three of the Board Members who were unable to attend the Workshop were also considered and included as part of this report.

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Board Discussion. Some common themes emerged as the discussion proceeded and some points raised were not pertinent solely to the Barry Regeneration Area but raised questions about the strategic delivery of Regeneration Programmes as a whole.

There was general agreement the first year of delivery was a challenge as the first Board meeting took place in July 2010 resulting in a 9 month window to deliver £3m worth of projects. Board members would have preferred more time to prepare a robust strategy, however the “spend it or lose it” annuality deadline did not allow for this. The timetable and imperative for ‘quick wins’ resulted in a rush to spend which was slightly uncomfortable and not as strategic as it might have been. (This is also referred to in the wider issues section). That’s not to say they weren’t the right schemes but this resulted in inevitable criticism.

Various comments were made about the Board itself which included a suggestion the Board be involved as early as possible in the process of choosing/ prioritising projects. A suggestion was made that the role of the Board should involve other parties involved in the process and the wider delivery agenda of Welsh Government. Another comment received was related to spatial targeting which perhaps led to a blinkered approach so potential synergies with RDP and the Enterprise Zone was not fully exploited. Reference was also made to the turnover of staff involved during the four year programme which involved changes in Welsh Government Ministers and officials, Local Authority change of leadership following the Local Government elections resulting in a change of Chair, retirements and a change/increase of Board Members.

Some Board Members felt the role of the local community in developing projects could have been stronger. It was widely accepted the capacity of local groups, third sector and voluntary groups to access funding was low and some good projects did not proceed as a result. It was acknowledged the four year programme was a capital programme and that only one project fronted by Newydd Housing Association (Community and Well-Being Coaches) was supported by revenue expenditure, and as an exception. Regeneration is about people as well as buildings and landscaping.

A view was expressed that when schemes did come forward they were of a low standard and there is still a need to improve local capacity. Communities First is a good example of the improvement of local capacity. The link-up with Communities First with the current Tackling Poverty Programme in the Vale is working well which is very

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encouraging. There is a wish to see more social enterprises becoming involved in regeneration schemes and there is still sometimes a silo mentality when it comes to ‘Regeneration’ and therefore a constant need to look for synergies.

Some Board Members felt the Partnership should have been more visible to the public about the programme which would have meant releasing more good news stories in the press. We have been too quiet about the achievements. Marketing and advertising success should be encouraged to boost tourism in the area. This was expanded to include a discussion about building up a portfolio of schemes for the future which purposely involved raising expectations even if there was a risk everything can’t be delivered. This isn’t to mislead people but rather to obtain their buy-in and support as well as giving them an idea of the potential which exists. Building for the future there is a need to establish an overarching vision of Barry and Barry Island and the vision needs to be inspirational and ambitious.

There is a growing feeling of confidence in the town as a whole. The Private Sector is investing in the Pump-House and at the Fairground site on the Island. There is a general ‘feel good factor’ at present and there is much more expectation for developer interest in the Nell’s Point site when it is re-marketed in the summer months. Whilst this can’t all be laid at the door of the Regeneration Board the investment decisions made by the Board have certainly gone some way to add to the general feeling and boost in confidence being experienced.

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Conclusions

Greater emphasis could have been placed on early stage strategic selection around local regeneration projects and schemes, more time spent on project planning and development along with an increased Board Member input into the project selection process. The first year of the Barry Regeneration Area development programme compressed into a 9 month delivery timescale was not ideal. The ‘early win’ regeneration projects tended to be dominated by existing applications for funding from the Vale of Glamorgan Council received most of the allocated £3m first year spend. Whilst these selected projects did improve facilities and created much needed amenity space in Barry feedback by the Board suggested this approach did attract criticism from certain quarters.

The more considered approach to project assessment and approval adopted during year 2 was seen as positive step by the Board. Extending the Barry Regeneration Area programme from the original three year programme into and extended four years programme also help the more considered project evaluation approach by the Board.

It is very difficult for development projects to fit neatly into end of year/annual accounting timescales demanded by government financial rules. Due to lead in times which vary and can be extensive it is always a struggle to achieve financial spend especially in the final year of the project when there is no flexibility to carry over expenditure. Future initiatives should ideally be programmes which are allowed to spread expenditure across the life of the programme without the need for annual targets.

It was seen as unfortunate there were many personnel changes in Welsh Government officials, local authority officers, Councillors and indeed Ministers during the four years of the programme. This also included a change of leadership due to Council elections. Considering this continual change the work of the Board continued in a very positive fashion.

Since the BRA programme was a four year capital investment initiative, the Board felt many community/third sector organisations did not have the expertise to bid for projects. Capacity building is a big part of the regeneration matrix and more emphasis needs to be given to this in future programmes.

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More attention should have been given in publicising good news stories to inform the general public about the good work being done. There was a tendency to do things on a low-key basis.

A Board member commented the report certainly read as an impressive list of achievements of which everyone involved should feel extremely proud.

There was disappointment raised about the lack of analysis around outputs and outcomes within the report. It was acknowledged this report was an objective and factual record the achievements and not an independent evaluation of performance.

The public realm improvements on Barry Island have set a really high standard for any follow up investment and changed the perceptions of the Council and Welsh Government in the local business community and there was an ongoing strong Regeneration Advisory Group growing out of the Barry Regeneration Area Partnership Board despite the knock-back of limited Vibrant and Viable Places mainstream funding.

The Board can take pride in the strong legacy and developing investor confidence it has provided for Barry and the surrounding Vale over the four years of its work.

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Appendix 1

Projects Funded by Barry Regeneration Area

Project name

Project sponsor Funding approved

Pumphouse enveloping works - External Refurbishment of Grade 2 listed building.

Vale of Glamorgan Council

£800k

Thompson Street public realm - Extensive public realm improvement to strategic connection route in Barry Town Centre.


£1.084m

Northern Part of Innovation Quarter - Landscaping and Car Park provision to Business Centre.


£677k

Conversion of BSC workshops to office space - Creation of office accommodation to satisfy increased demand.


£98k

Handyperson pilot - Practicable support for vulnerable people in their homes.

Newydd Housing Association

£54k

Community Wellbeing Coaches - A programme to encourage health and well-being through one to one advice with coaches.


£43k

Citizen Advice Bureau information kiosks - Provision of information booths for first stop advice.

Citizens Advice Bureau

£24k

Gibbonsdown street lighting - Upgrading of street lighting to improve Community safety.


£85k

Safer Vale Prevention Space - Upgrade of computer equipment for youth crime prevention.


£38k

Baruc/Buttrills CCTV - Community safety.


£160k

21

Bendricks Park Youth Pod - Computer hub in park for youth activities.


£10k

Barry Gateway at Waycock Road - Environmental improvement to Barry gateway.


£55k

Community centres refurbishment - Minor upgrades to community centres.


£162k

YMCA climbing wall - Upgrade of facilities for young people.

YMCA Hub

£23k

YMCA digital media enterprise - Upgrade of radio broadcasting facilities.

YMCA Hub

£130k

Barry Leisure Centre refurbishment - New gym equipment.


£300k

Iolo Park regeneration - New equipment and landscaping.


£204k

Bassett Park refurbishment - New equipment and landscaping.


£400k

Porthkerry Country Park playground - New equipment and landscaping


£95k

Porthkerry Country Park Forest Lodge - Community/education facility.


£79k

Barry Island Adizone - Outside Gym as part of Olympic Games legacy.


£160k

Holm View Leisure Centre refurbishment - Upgrading of facilities.


£100k

Weston Square play area - New equipment and landscaping.


£100k

22

Castleland Renewal Area office - Purchase and refurbishment of Renewal area office.


£163k

Merthyr Street affordable housing - Site purchase for affordable housing.


£220k

Cadoxton House Ground Source Heat Pump - Sustainable heating solution in refurbished building.


£76k

Vale Enterprise Centre improvements - Accommodation improvements.


£28k

Castleland Community Centre - External refurbishment to compliment HLF scheme.

Castleland Community Centre

£20k

Atal Y Fro - Funding towards new women’s refuge in Barry.

United Welsh Housing

£200k

Vibe Experience - Provision of IT / computer equipment for fitted out vehicle for mobile youth training in film and radio production.

Vibe Experience

£121k

YMCA - Provision of state of the television studio/filming equipment for training young people.

YMCA

£143k

Wheelchair Accessible Boat – To provide Wheelchair Accessible Boat, located at Barry Yacht Club/Knap, Barry Island, for the 250 children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities, in Barry area

The Intersensory Club

£22.5k

Community Garden - The development of a community garden at Barry waterfront

Methodist Church

£17k

Alexandra Community Centre - The goal of this project is to provide a new Community Centre in Alexandra Crescent, Barry.

Vale Of Glamorgan Council

£77.5k

Gibbonsdown Community Centre - The goal of this project is to refurbish the community centre and make it fit for purpose for use by Gibbonsdown Children’s Centre and the local Community


£200k

Barry RFC – Refurbishment and extension of local rugby club

Barry RFC

£80k

23

Lifeguard Station at Whitmore Bay - The essential refurbishment work to the Barry Island lifeguard station

St Johns Ambulance

£66k

Pencoedtre Park - New equipment and landscaping.

Vale Of Glamorgan Council

£185k

Barry Island - Nells Point Works - The purpose of the project is to bring the Nell’s Point site back into use and prepare for future private sector investment


£632k

Barry Island - Public Realm Works - The purpose of the project is to carry out public realm improvements on Barry Island which are intended to enhance the resort, increase visitor numbers and stimulate private sector investment


£2.668k

Total

£9,800,206

barry regeneration progress report and appendix report… · commencing on site in 2016. resource...

Documents