Historical Barry pub transformed
During half term, Newydd Housing Association opened the doors to a new development, The Windsor, a historical building in the vibrant coastal town of Barry.
Merely fourteen months after contractors Cartrefi started the construction work, new tenants are moving into this striking £2million scheme with its original features and spectacular façade.
History
Built in the early 1900s, this well known building previously utilised as a pub, is one of the oldest in the area. ‘The Windsor Pub’, as it was known, was owned by Brains Pubs and acquired by Newydd in 2019 as part of a portfolio of three sites.
Whilst redeveloping ‘The Windsor’, it was discovered that it was one of the first properties in Barry to be connected to the electricity grid, along with the Vale of Glamorgan Council offices in the docks.
Working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and funded using the Welsh Government Land for Housing scheme to address local housing need, this former pub has been transformed into twelve one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats for rent. Of the 18 flats, two of which have been adapted to accommodate tenants with disabilities and include wheelchair accessible kitchens and wet room bathing facilities.
New beginnings
Jordan was one of the tenants that will be moving into The Windsor, after living in temporary accommodation. Jordan told us, “This is somewhere that I’ll be able to focus on my studies without the worry of finding a new house all the time.”
“Newydd have been very helpful too, especially with my mum, they’ve worked with her through pretty much everything during the process”.

Jason Wroe, Chief Executive of Newydd said, “We’d like to thank all our partners and staff for working hard to redevelop this former pub into stunning new homes for local people. Not only does it look incredible with its arched windows and stunning brickwork but it’s providing our tenants with valuable homes that will provide them with new beginnings. We wish them all the very best for the future.”
Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Sector Housing and Tenant Engagement, said: "The redevelopment of the Windsor in Barry will make a huge difference not just to those families who will now have a home suitable for their needs but for all of those that live nearby. Huge credit must go to the partners involved. The renovation has done justice to an historic building within Barry and is something that should make all those living in the area proud to call this part of the town their home."
Jane Hutt AS said, “‘The transformation of the Windsor Hotel is absolutely brilliant. The re-development has safeguarded many features of historical significance for Barry and the provision of stunning new homes for people in housing need is vitally important. I am glad Welsh Government funding has helped make this possible.”