Austin-Smith:Lord has been appointed as part of Aecom’s multi-disciplinary team to develop design proposals for the Western Gateway project in Barry, commissioned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. This public sector collaboration involves the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, and the Welsh Government.

The Western Gateway project aims to comprehensively redevelop two key sites near the town centre, incorporating significant improvements and enhancements to the highway and public realm in-between. Austin-Smith:Lord are providing architectural and landscape design services.

The scheme includes two new buildings with affordable residential apartments, one of which is designated for older persons. Additionally, the project will feature a new health clinic and the potential for extra non-residential spaces to create active street frontages.

As part of the holistic masterplan for the new gateway, the project will deliver a high-quality public realm area, carefully integrated with the two site developments. This will focus on fostering a strong sense of place, enhancing green spaces, and providing improved pedestrian routes and active travel measures.