Barry’s historic Pumphouse restored to its former glory

One of Barry’s historic landmarks, the Hydraulic Pumphouse, has been externally restored to its former glory by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, with the support of an £800,000 grant from the Welsh Government.

Grade II Listed by CADW as one of the few hydraulic pumping houses remaining in Wales, the property formed part of Barry’s historic dock complex and remains an important local landmark with its imposing 42 metre chimney.

September 2011 saw the completion of the contract to restore the roof and elevations of the Pumphouse, which was awarded by the Vale council to John Weaver (Contractors) Limited, whilst the project was overseen by leading conservation architects Acanthus Holden Architects.

Along with saving an important part of Wales’ industrial heritage the contract has provided a much needed boost to the ongoing regeneration of Barry. John Weaver (Contractors) Limited created local employment during the work for residents and companies from the Vale of Glamorgan including the contracts manager, carpenters, scaffolders, and the roofing contractors. The project has also environmentally improved the area by restoring a structure that was in a significant state of disrepair and an eyesore in a high profile location.

Completing the restoration creates the opportunity to secure a new economic use for the Pumphouse; the next key task for the Vale of Glamorgan Council and its Welsh Government partners. Well located at the west end of Barry Waterfront close to Barry Town railway station the Pumphouse is situated in the heart of the Innovation Quarter, a 19 acre mixed use development site being facilitated by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in partnership with the Welsh Government.

The restoration of the Pumphouse is also timely as it is well positioned to benefit from the Phase 2 redevelopment of the Barry Waterfront, for which in July the Vale council's planning committee resolved to grant outline planning permission for two planning applications subject to a legal agreement.

Vale council Leader, Cllr Gordon Kemp, commented: "Protecting our built heritage is always very important as it contributes so much to a local sense of place. I welcome the completion of this contract as it has saved an historic building that otherwise had a very uncertain future. I am also pleased with the local employment and business benefits generated during the works contract and the quality of workmanship.

"The council is now committed to working with the Welsh Government to bring the property back into economic use. The delivery of this project owes much to the ongoing successful working partnership of the council and Welsh Government at the Innovation Quarter."

Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis, said: "The Pumphouse is a major piece of Barry’s historic fabric. Its restoration will help people in the town take pride in their heritage as we look forward to the regeneration of the Waterfront.

"Restoration of the building is a prime example of how built heritage can be a catalyst for regeneration. Jobs were created as a result of the work and we now have a fantastic property to house future ventures.

"I look forward to working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to see the Pumphouse brought back into use to play a key role in Barry once again."