A new Barry Island Pleasure could be up and running by Easter if Vale Planners respond to the calls from the landowners and developers.
Local MP Alun Cairns brought fairground operator, Henry Danter and representatives of site owners, Hillco together on Barry Island last Thursday to meet Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Local Government in England. The site meeting was also attended by Paul Haley of Pride in Barry and Dennis Harkus of Focus Barry.
During the meeting, Mr Danter, who currently runs successful fairgrounds in Symonds Yat near Ross on Wye and at Stourport, Worcestershire said that he would invest £2M over the next year and £20M over the next 5 years. He told Mr Cairns, Mr Pickles and representatives from the community that it was essential the first phase would be up and running by Easter, which is early April.
Mr Danter said, ‘I want to clear the site and bring 10 new rides by Easter. This is a challenge but with support from the planners, I know we can do it. I will also bring a new Log Flume to Barry Island but that will take a little longer.”
Vale MP Alun Cairns said, “Henry Danter’s enthusiasm was infectious. The visit from Eric Pickles and others has helped to create a renewed momentum which needs to be maintained by the Vale Council. The Council has responded positively so far. I was very pleased that Dennis Harkus from Focus Barry was present, as well as Paul Haley from Pride in Barry. It was essential that the community are kept involved with these plans.”
Mr Cairns told the GEM that the project is able to come together by converting the Dolphin into retail space on the ground floor, with apartments above and by using the funding to release the fun fair site. Alun Cairns that it was essential to tie both together to ensure the redevelopment of the fun fair site.
He said, “Lawyers have been working with both Mr Danter and Hilco to ensure that all conditions satisfy the planners.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and I was delighted to see everyone so up-beat. The pleasure park site has been a worry for so long and I was determined to see progress. We are on the road to underlining Barry Island’s status as a year round resort.
“Scores of jobs will be created as soon as permission is granted but the regeneration of the Island and new opportunities to businesses over the longer term offers the prospects of so many more.
Henry Danter told the Vale MP that the only day he will close is Christmas Day!
Mr Danter added, “The essential factor in this is to get agreement at the February meeting. Without it, we will lose Easter and the opportunity to attract thousands of visitors.
Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Local Government said, “The enthusiasm for this scheme is palpable. I am keen to support Alun Cairns’ help to deliver this project. The time for investment is ripe and this shows that our long term economic plan is bringing investment and jobs to all parts of the country.”