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Barry Island Pleasure Park

James

James

TS Founding Member
I know there's very little interest in Barry Island on here, although for those who live in Wales and the small following of members on here, caught this interesting news today.

BBC News said:
Barry Island funfair set to reopen after new deal agreed

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A multi-million pound redevelopment of one of south Wales' most famous fairgrounds will go ahead after a deal on the future of the site was struck.

The keys for Barry Island Pleasure Park will be handed over to new owner Henry Danter on Monday at 10:00 BST following negotiations with former owners Hilco.

Mr Danter, who has 50 years fairground experience, said he will move large vehicles onto the site to clear it.

He aims to have a small fair on site by Friday.

"It's taken a long time to get to this point," said Mr Danter, who also runs Treasure Island fairground in Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire.

"But we promised the people of Barry we would have it up and running for Easter."

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Mr Danter said he paid a deposit for the site "quite a long time ago" but the deal had been delayed because it was dependant on Hilco being given planning permission for flats to be built nearby.

He plans to invest up to £20m in the fairground, including building an arcade to ensure that it is a year-round attraction.

The park struggled after the nearby Butlins holiday camp closed 18 years ago.

Hilco has been asked to comment.
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Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-32105439

I'm interested in the quoted 'up to £20m' investment plan. That's quite a large sum of money, and if that comes to be true then this is very positive news for Barry Island. The park has been decaying for far too long and if this new owner is serious about improving the park then finally we could see some life injected back into the area once more.

The previous owners (Hilco) were just making things worse in my opinion. I feel the park is in far safer hands being owned by someone who knows fairgrounds and who will know how to develop and operate the place effectively.
 
"£20m including an arcade". Wow stop the press!

This news has been around for a while now, and whilst it seems promising, I'll believe it when I see it happening.

(British seasides are really going for it nowadays aren't they? GYPB is investing in new rides regularly, Pleasureland Southport might be becoming a major park again, and Dreamland is finally reopening!)
 
Henry Danter also owns Treasure Island in StourPort near Kiddiminster.

Few years back he bought a brand new KMG Freak Out and Waltzers.

Also related to Abie Danter so potentially seeing Air at the site at some point without a guess.
 
Well they must have had a good opening year, as they're adding yet more stuff this year. Nothing major, but still good solid investments; log flume, big wheel, a classic ghost train, and what looks like a brand new Big Apple coaster.

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When I visited last year the park was extremely busy but also extremely messy! Needs re surfacing or just a little tidy up as these new rides are being shuffled round.
 
It's a mess but at least the owners are installing new rides and have plans for the future. I heard about the Ferris Wheel and Log Flume a while ago, haven't seen any pictures until just now! The log flume isn't quite as pretty as the original (they don't have the money to do that so I'll let it pass), it's great to see more being added though. Barry Island is still a very popular place in the summer months and the fair expanding once again has really been needed.
 
Went to Barry Island on Sunday and yeah, wasn't expecting much. The new coaster is called Sharky and the Pirates. Fun little ride for the family. The big wheel is still the same as the photo Lordy posted up.

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Bump!

The park will be receiving a KMG Speed 32 next year (it's under manufacture in Holland right now)! This model is HUGE and will be a big draw for them! :)



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To put it into perspective, the park is home to the tallest big wheel in Wales. This new ride will be over twice the height of that, at 213 feet (that's taller than the Big One at Blackpool PB!)! :eek:
This is just one of lots of new rides coming to Barry Island next year. :)
 
Last edited:
Benjsh said:
Get the impression that thing looks a lot better off ride than it will on ride. Look incredibly imposing but will probably ride like a booster.
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I thought it was a booster. Shows how much I know about flat rides. What's the difference?
 
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