Former bank to be turned into flats and restaurant

A FORMER bank in Cardiff Bay will be turned into a restaurant and flats.

The former HSBC bank on the corner of Bute Street and James Street will be transformed as part of the plans.

Approval was given for a ground floor restaurant, 15 two-bedroom flats and a four-bedroom penthouse suite.

An extra floor is proposed for the penthouse.

It would be set back from Bute Street so wouldn’t be seen from ground level according to the planning officer.

The building is listed and still contains bank vaults and historic features.

The historical features will be kept but most of the upper floors are said to be very modern.

Llanishen Councillor Garry Hunt said: “I think if we can have something that keeps the body and soul of this place, then I think we’re doing the right thing. “I think this is a worthy development”. He said the ground floor restaurant will have the potential to stay open late.

Referencing the current Womanby Street campaign, he said: “How do we ensure the restaurant is sustainable and not subject to complaints from people living above and protect the amenity of the people above?”

The planning officer said the principle was that people would be buying a flat above a restaurant, rather than people “having that placed upon them”.

Lib Dem Tricia Burfoot said: “I think this is a fantastic site and I would like to see it being a success”.

Conservative Adrian Robson said he supports a shorter-than-usual expiry on the application to avoid buildings being left empty for a long time.

John Pinn from Quin & Co said: “We are excited following unanimous support from the planning committee and officers to bring forward this exclusive mixedused development with sixteen high-end apartments which will enhance and preserve the building as well as the character of the area.

“We looking forward to commencing with this scheme immediately to ensure that this exceptional building is brought back into use unlike so many of the buildings seem recently in Cardiff Bay, and look forward to sourcing a restaurant operator of suitable calibre to add to the vibrancy of Cardiff Bay with the retention of the historic features of the building.”

The scheme is due to be completed in late summer 2018.