Plan to create ‘entertainment village’ out of shipping boxes

PLANS have been unveiled to create an “entertainment village” out of shipping containers in Barry.

The developer behind the award-winning Pumphouse development in Barry is acquiring the former railway goods shed across the road.

Simon Baston, managing director of Loftco, plans to create a “box village” out of shipping containers on the site that would give opportunities for small, local businesses.

“We are currently acquiring the Hood Road Goods Shed opposite the Pumphouse and have plans to launch a shipping container entertainment village, featuring a number of pop-up cafes and bars very soon,” he said.

Mr Baston started the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed Pumphouse building in 2014 after he purchased it from Vale of Glamorgan council.

In little more than a year the building, which was built in the 1880s to provide hydraulic power to the docks, was carefully restored to accommodate a cafe, restaurant, 24-hour gym and 15 living/working spaces.

When Hang Fire Smokehouse opened its restaurant at The Pumphouse in 2016, it received more the 1,300 bookings in less than 24 hours. And the appetite for the barbecue restaurant has not abated with bookings still required weeks in advance.

Seeing the demand for similar projects in the town and that people are willing to travel to Barry for the right project, Mr Baston acquired the building over the road.

The Hood Road Goods Shed in Barry was put out for tender in the summer with the aim of securing a mixed use development.

Also known as Gwalia Buildings, the building is a heritage railway building of traditional brick construction set under a pitched and slated roof.

It comprises a former goods shed of approximately 592 sq m (6,371 sq ft) together with an office building of approximately 165 sq m (1778 sq ft).

The project is in the early stages and there are currently no confirmed tenants.

Mr Baston, who was also behind the Tramshed project on the outskirts of Cardiff city centre, has also been trying to build a box city in Cardiff.