Plans to turn toilet block into restaurants are revealed
THESE are the exclusive first images of plans to turn one of Wales’ most scenic toilet blocks into restaurants with a view.
The proposed transformation would see Barry Island’s Grade II-listed block – near the site of the former Butlin’s camp – turned into a “hub” for fine dining.
Under the plans the disused changing rooms, which have a commanding view of Whitmore Bay, would be called Nell’s Point and would be home to four restaurants.
One of the restaurants would be housed on the roof of the current building.
The newly-released artist’s impressions also show an extension on the side of the building, nearest the car park, to facilitate another.
James Morse, of Morse Affiliated – the company behind the development – said he expected the hub to enhance the dining options in Barry, and drew parallels with another of its flagship developments on the Welsh coast.
“We hope to create an evening atmosphere on Barry Island and enhance the daytime offering, much in the same way we did at Mumbles with the Oyster Wharf development,” Mr Morse said.
“We hope these images will get a positive response.”
John Thomas, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m sure everyone is as excited as I am by the plans for the old public conveniences at Nell’s Point.
“The vibrant design of the building is in keeping with the Island’s revival as a modern seaside resort.
“The council has committed significant resources to upgrading the Island over the last few years and it is encouraging to see this commitment continues to lead to ongoing private investment in the area.
“We believe bringing new high-calibre restaurants to the Island as part of this development can help make it even more appealing to residents and visitors alike.”
Morse Affiliated, the rebranded name for Nextcolour group, recently completed the refurbishment of the 1930s cinema at Oyster Wharf at Mumbles.
The former convenience block on Barry Island is Grade II-listed, which means the new owners will be unable to modify the key structure but the grand building can be utilised in a number of ways.
While tenants for the renovation have not yet been confirmed, the restaurants Le Bistrot Pierre and the cafe bar Loungers are part of the development in Mumbles, which has been credited with changing the seafront in the seaside village.
The disused public changing rooms at Nell’s Point – which boast grand entrance columns – have been on the market for several years.
While Barry has run a successful campaign to attract visitors to the Island all year round, it has little going on in the evenings – but businesses are now starting to look at the potential of boosting their night-time offerings.
The owner of Whitmore + Jackson has applied for an alcohol licence and intends to start opening in the evenings.
Under the proposals, the start of the building works on the Nell’s Point project would start after the summer season and be completed before the end of 2019.