New community centre opens on Barry Waterfront
A new £1.5 million community centre has opened at Barry Waterfront to serve this area and the wider town.
The centre has been funded with money from the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Strong Communities Grant Fund, Section 106 contributions secured from local developments and a range of other sources including the National Lottery.
Called The Bridge Between Community Centre and located just off Heol Y Llongau, the building will house the Barry Uniting Church and be used for a variety of other social activities.
Rooms, from a large hall to smaller spaces, will be available to book by any organisation that matches the inclusive ethos of the centre.
There is also a specialised Changing Places facility for those with disabilities and a community garden that is now being expanded.
A Café will operate on Fridays and Saturdays, while Vale People First, a disability advocacy organisation, will also be based there.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that this important building has now been completed.
“It will not only provide a home for the Barry Uniting Church, but also space for a host of other groups that benefit and enrich the local community.
“Supporting this type of worthwhile local project is exactly what the Strong Communities Grant Fund is for and it’s always pleasing to see the real difference that money can make. I’d also like to thank the residents that helped make this scheme a reality. Their work has been invaluable.”
Revd Catherine Brobbey, Minister of Barry Uniting Church/The Bridge Between said:
"The Bridge Between is a remarkable achievement and a wonderful sign of what is possible when churches come together, and work together with their local community.
"The members of Barry Uniting Church are thrilled with the new church and community centre and grateful for all the support that they have received in making their vision a reality.
"We hope that everyone who comes to church, or the cafe, who enjoys the garden or hires rooms, will find a warm welcome and be prompted to return again and again"
More information about the centre can be found at www.thebridgebetween.org.uk