Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced that the redevelopment of the old public conveniences on Nell's Point is set to begin imminently.
In partnership with developers Next Colour - the company behind the Oyster Wharf scheme in the Mumbles – the project would see the 100-year-old Victorian building transformed into four commercial units.
Developers say a number of high-profile names have expressed an interest in opening outlets at the site, which will include a 4000 square foot restaurant and a basement café and/or commercial unit.
The restaurant has already been assigned to the coffee bar chain Loungers, who confirmed their intention to open a site at the location in 2021. Loungers has over 160 branches throughout South Wales and the South-East of England – including Ocho Lounge in Penarth.
The toilet block was built back in 1923 but has not been used for many years, leading to the building becoming dilapidated.
Plans to turn the toilets into restaurants were first muted back in 2017 as "another step in the regeneration of Barry Island."
Since then, development has halted with delays blamed on the covid-19 pandemic as well as investigations into the structure’s stability.
James Morse, Chief Executive Officer of Next Colour, said: “It’s been a complicated journey to bring this project to fruition, especially in regard to the effects of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry as a whole.
“Recognising the state of this Grade-II listed building and an inherent original construction defect meant we have had to find solutions before work could begin.
“This has been a combined effort between ourselves, the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Loungers Group - without the help and determination of our partners - the project would still be on the drawing board.
“We look forward to imminent progress and with hopefully restaurant’s opening soon.”
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m delighted to see that work is finally moving forward to redevelop the old public conveniences at Barry Island.
“There have been a number of obstacles to get to this point, including the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, we have worked closely in partnership with the developers Next Colour to get this project moving as quickly as possible, so that we may continue to improve the area for our residents and visitors.”
It is estimated that upgrades to the Grade-II listed building will take about 10 months to complete once construction is underway - subject to the expected approval of Listed Building Consent by CADW.
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