THE SOUTH EASTERN COMMERCIAL RESTORATION AWARD: CARDIFF BAY

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Cardiff Bay station was opened by the Taff

Vale Railway in 1841, and served for 20 years as its offices.

A varied career followed, including a lengthy period housing the consulates of various countries as far apart as Belgium and Brazil.

However, for over another 20 years it lay empty and derelict (although the adjacent platform remained rail-served, under the GWR and BR Western Region and known as Cardiff Bute Road).

The building occupies a prominent position on Bute Road, an area which is part of the Cardiff rejuvenation plans, so it was wellplaced for restoration as small offices.

Loftco was the driving force behind this ambitious scheme. Working with CADW (the Welsh Government’s historic environment service), Cardiff City Council and the Welsh Government, and with a proven track record in both redeveloping brownfield sites and ensuring a sustainable future for historic buildings, it has managed a great sympathetic refurbishment and internal conversion.

Historic features inside and out were enhanced, as our picture of its impressive frontage shows.