The redevelopment of a Grade II-listed toilet block into a restaurant hub in South Wales is now expected to open in 2021.
The project, known as Nell's Point, has been delayed by Covid-19 and the structural stability of the building.
The listed status of the former convenience block on Barry Island means the owners are unable to modify the key structure, however the developers have found the building to be far weaker than originally thought.
James Morse, the founder of Morse affiliated and the developers of the project, has said that three sides of the building will need to come down. Only the facade of the building, which will remain. Mr Morse said he is in discussions with the council about this change in the development but anticipates that work will begin soon and the scheme will complete in 2021.
Mr Morse says Covid-19 caused delays to the project. The three tenants that had signed on to the development only reconfirmed their commitment in September following the uncertainty the pandemic has brought.
The cluster of four food and beverage outlets will be called Nell's Point.
The three tenants - a fourth site is still available - are:
- a second site from the Swansea restaurant Positano Italiano,
- a branch of the Porthcawl venue Harbour Bar & Grill,
- a site from the Loungers chain
In the original plans for the site, that were submitted around two years ago, each restaurant would have its own terrace, with views of the sea and across Whitmore Bay, and there would be a new first-floor glass atrium on the roof.
The toilet block was built in 1923 but has not been used for used for "a significant number of years", which has led the building to become dilapidated.
The Railway Station on Barry Island is currently being marketed on behalf of the council. The building could become home to a mix of restaurants, shops, business units, and residential tourism properties.
The council hopes the redevelopment of the railway station building, which is opposite the fairground, will compliment Barry’s seaside resort, as well as capitalising on the success of the rejuvenated Island and the regeneration of neighbouring Barry Waterfront and its Innovation Quarter.
The Goodsheds, a former railway storage building on Hood Road has been converted into a shipping container village of office space, retail units, restaurants, and a coffee shop alongside an apartment complex.
Before that, the Pumphouse, another 19th Century Building with major historical significance, became home to the award-winning Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, Academy espresso bar, Snap Fitness gym, and live-work apartments.
