Frustration mounts as delays plague the opening of East Quay Park at Barry Waterfront, prompting developer apologies and promises of progress.
Residents of the Barry Waterfront housing development in South Wales are growing increasingly impatient over the postponed opening of East Quay Park, which was initially slated to welcome visitors in the summer of 2025. The Barry Waterfront Consortium, the group behind this development, has acknowledged the delays and issued an apology, citing the need for final safety checks before the park can open to the public.
What’s Causing the Delay?
Earlier this year, residents were optimistic when they were told that East Quay Park would be ready for summer use. Fast forward to mid-July, and the park remains unfinished, drawing criticism for its neglected appearance.
At a recent Vale of Glamorgan Council meeting, a resident voiced their frustration, recalling a promise made back in March 2024 regarding the park’s anticipated opening.
“More than a year on, the park is not open and looks abandoned by developers,” the resident lamented.
This frustration resonates with many in the community who have been eagerly looking forward to enjoying the promised public spaces.
Cllr Mark Wilson, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhood and building services, confirmed that the park is currently undergoing a standard safety audit. He expressed hope that it could potentially open by August 2025, although he cautioned that certain seeded areas might need more time to ensure everything is ready for public use.
Tensions with the Council
The ongoing relationship between the Barry Waterfront Consortium and the Vale of Glamorgan Council has been far from smooth. Over the years, the council has threatened legal action against the consortium multiple times. In 2023, the council even sought an injunction to halt home sales at Barry Waterfront until crucial infrastructure and facilities were delivered.
Cllr Lis Burnett, the council leader, accused the consortium of failing to meet its commitments regarding the development of over 2,000 homes at Barry Docks. Eventually, in 2024, the consortium reached an agreement with the council to pause housing sales until all necessary infrastructure work was completed.
Residents have also raised concerns about other areas of the development, such as unfinished roads and delayed landscaping. The district center of the estate remains mostly vacant, further fueling community frustrations.
Developers Respond and Look Ahead
A spokesperson for the Barry Waterfront Consortium acknowledged the residents’ frustrations and assured them that steps are being taken to address the issues at hand. They’ve confirmed the appointment of a contractor tasked with maintaining and improving the public spaces, including the park and footpaths.
“Play equipment has been installed in East Quay Gardens and will undergo final health and safety checks before it can be opened to the public,” the spokesperson stated. They also mentioned that additional landscaping maintenance has been completed, with plans to open all green areas simultaneously with the play area.
On the commercial front, the consortium noted that one of the commercial units is now occupied, with strong interest in several other spaces. They emphasized that all pavements and footpaths have been completed, with road surfacing work planned for after the summer holidays.
In closing, the consortium extended their apologies for the delays and reassured residents that they are doing everything possible to expedite the completion of the project. “We understand residents’ frustrations regarding the completion and maintenance of public spaces and are committed to resolving these issues as quickly as we can,” they said.
