'I'm a local lad who has really put his all into this because I love Barry, it's my home!'

Property editor Joanne Ridout speaks to Nicolas Gannon-Johns about his renovation vision

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WHEN Nicolas Gannon-Johns was walking the coastal path near the seaside town of Barry, he kept seeing a landmark building in the distance and could not stop thinking about it.

The substantial seafront property that had just come up for sale was a building that this Barry-born boy knew and loved, from partying at the nightclub to using the gym inside.

The Merrie Ferris building, also known as the Elysium, has stood proudly on Barry Island's promenade since it was built during the 1920s, looking out to sea with a once beautiful facade, enjoying mesmerising sunsets and sunrises from its prime position and providing home on the ground floor to some of the town's most iconic seaside businesses. But it was now in need of some serious renovation.

During its life, the eye-catching art deco-inspired building has morphed itself into the changing world around it as it rode the Barry Island roller-coaster from coastal hotspot to rundown state to regeneration.

But when it went on the market, Nick knew he wanted to be the one to buy it, revive its fortunes and transform it into smart new homes that would optimise the incredible seafront location.

Nick has significant experience of restoring, renovating and developing property, so he knew what he was taking on. He also knew it was a huge risk, but he was determined to save the building.

He says: "Walking the dog that day, I sat down and looked over at it and that was the moment when I thought, 'yes, this is happening. But I've put everything on the line for the Elysium. All my personal money is pretty much gone, I have sold properties, I have remortgaged properties, I sold my motorbike, my car - everything and anything of value to make it work in conjunction with Development Bank of Wales who have been very supportive."

But Nick is a glass-half-full person and, after a year of stressful and epic renovation journey, he says he would do it all again.