A modern environment for start-ups and growth businesses in the heart of Barry’s thriving Innovation Quarter, we’ve been working on behalf of CBOF to deliver a signage and wayfinding package for the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s latest development.
With over £1 million in funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the project was delivered by local contractor Kingfisher Developments, with CBOF Group specifying and supplying all furniture, and managing the interior fit-out.
Morgans Consult were subcontracted by CBOF Group to deliver the signage package.
About the Engine Room
The Engine Room is a key component of the broader regeneration efforts at the Innovation Quarter, a collaborative initiative between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Government.
This area has already benefited from several recent developments, including the transformation of the Pumphouse into a café bar, restaurant and other facilities, the opening of a Premier Inn, Brewers Fayre, and West Quay Medical Centre, as well as the development of the Goodsheds, a hub for independent retail and food and beverage outlets.
Additionally, a new primary school, Ysgol St Baruc, has been completed, and Cardiff and Vale College is set to construct a significant new campus nearby.
The Engine Room is a redevelopment of what was originally the rail yard, and now comprises of 11 office lets, break-out areas, and collaborative working spaces. A modern environment for start-ups and growth businesses in a thriving area of Barry, with direct links to Cardiff.
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The Project
Morgans Consult delivered a bilingual signage and wayfinding scheme on behalf of CBOF. As with all Welsh Government/Council developments, signage must adhere to strict policy guidelines, and feature Welsh language first, followed by the English equivalent.
The Solutions
External signage included 7m powder coated external built-up letters positioned on the front elevation. Above the entrance, a large LED illuminated, opal acrylic, rail-inspired Engine Room sign, with built in external grade down lights.
As a shared workspace, with no manned reception, it’s important that workers and visitors could easily navigate the space without assistance, find the areas and resident businesses they need easily.
In the foyer, we created an easily updatable, LED illuminated business directory board in keeping with the aesthetic of the building.
Internal welcome and shared-space signage featured flat-cut, powder coated lettering, giving an industrial rusted metal effect, referencing the building’s history.
Wayfinding in the communal areas is clean and high contrast for readability.
Rentable office space door signs are easily updateable, allowing for interchangeable detail.
The main meeting room/flexible space features powder coated built-up letters adding a sense of place and a focal point to the space.
RELATED: Internal Wayfinding and Branding at Welsh Government’s Cathays Park
The Opening
The space was officially opened by Cllr Lis Burnett on Thursday 8th May 2025.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the Engine Room be transformed into a modern multipurpose space where businesses can grow, connect, and collaborate.
“This state-of-the-art business centre is one that continues to support innovation, encourages inward investment, and drives economic growth in the Vale.
“With environmentally friendly features like the new living wall and a greener heating system, the space reflects our Project Zero commitments as a Council to become carbon neutral by 2030.”
Contractor Testimonial
“Excellent all-round service. The brief & designs met the client requirements, and the installation team were professional and organised. Well done!” Jon Foster, Workplace Design & Client Manager, CBOF Group.
