This exciting, innovative and first of its kind development in the UK, marks the continued growth of Barry’s regeneration of the Innovation Quarter. Goodsheds is the UK’s first Sustainable Urban Highstreet where people can live, work eat and play. In terms of a successful conservation & regeneration project this development has it all. As well as breathing new life into an unused railway shed and forgotten/neglected corner of Barry, it has successfully encapsulated all aspects of the placemaking agenda, by creating a true community hub in every sense of the word. The development was achieved by using an entirely local (south Wales) team.
The regeneration project was in part funded by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme (£500k) which supports major capital projects to repurpose empty properties including important and historic building. In addition, further funding was secured via the Innovation Housing programme grant in conjunction with Newydd Housing Association and private finance provided to the overall Developer, Loft Co from Development Bank of Wales (DBW). Goodsheds is a mixed-use development built on the former site of the derelict Barry dockland. The innovative project has included utilising the existing Victorian railway shed, shipping containers, old railway carriages and the construction of a new build residential block using an innovative light weight steel build, all with the aim of creating a sustainable venue. The £8M+ development is located in close proximity to Barry’s High street and has been designed to complement its offering by attracting no less than 40 independent food, drink and retail businesses in total. In addition, the scheme also includes modern office spaces, an outdoor gym, luxury rental accommodation, all by Loft Co and brand-new apartments for social and market rents by Newydd Housing Association.
The conservation has successfully preserved the original elements of the dockside setting by splitting the regeneration into three unique spaces, each with its own offering, known as The Shipyard, The Tracks and the Sidings. The Shipyard is home to 38 repurposed shipping containers which takes you literally from Shipping to sipping, shopping and eating. The Shipyard is located on the original railway line, with The Tracks now made up of a series of refurbished railway carriages that previously formed the Gatwick Express. These carriages are now home to artisan traders, a cinema and a space to hire for meetings and events. The Sidings sees the renovated 1880s railway building brought back to life. This red brick building has retained the industrial heritage Barry is renowned for, whilst simultaneously bringing it firmly into the 21st Century. Formally known as the Gwalia Buildings this element of the development is now home to the commercial units and luxury rental apartments for Airbnb type short stay lettings. To the East of the site the development is the newly constructed Junction House which offers a mix of 24 social and 18 market rent apartments was undertaken.
Further positive outcomes from the project include the social and economic aspects delivered by Welsh main contractor, Jehu Group. For example, in terms of the Welsh Local Multiplier for every £1 spent on this contract £2.08 has been reinvested in the local economy; £4,583,269 has been spent by Jehu with businesses based in Wales during the life of the contract. A total of 73 Employment and Training opportunities were created on this contract during the period covered by this submission. This included 8 apprenticeships which were started by local people during the same period.
For more information about Gatwick Express: https://www.gatwickexpress.com
