Opinion is divided over hotel plans
DEVELOPERS have called it “distinctive” but critics say it is “incongruous” – this is the latest hotel planned for Cardiff city centre.
An application to demolish a historic Cardiff hotel has been made to make way for chain hotel Premier Inn. The new hotel would be 20 storeys tall. To build it, the former York Hotel on Custom House Street would need to be demolished.
There would also be changes to the listed Custom House building.
Some of the historic building would be kept - including the original 1845 facades on Custom House Street and St Mary Street but the 1865 façade removed.
The buildings are boarded up and are considered derelict.
A previous application for student accommodation at the site has not been carried on with.
Two different planning applications have now been submitted, one to demolish the former hotel and another to make changes to the listed Custom House.
Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, chair of Cardiff Civic Society, said: “It’s an ugly, incongruous building that dwarfs the Victorian façade.
“We have no objection to a new hotel in the city centre, but question why such a low quality design has been proposed in a prime, city centre location.
“It will do nothing to enhance central Cardiff, nor boost the city’s image on the world stage.”
Should the developer get permission to demolish the building, it would start at 11pm on Christmas Eve.
It would have to be completed by 3am on December 27.
The listed Custom House would be kept.
The new hotel would have 248 rooms and a bar/restaurant for both hotel guests and others to visit. No parking will be included. The developer says that the new building would be a “worthy addition” to Cardiff’s skyline.
“The new hotel, as a potential tall building, will need to be distinctive, elegant and of a very high architectural quality.
“Through demolition of the dilapidated York Hotel, the Custom House building can fully express the character and retained qualities of its original 1845 facades both on Custom House Street and St Mary Street.
“The dilapidated condition of the York Hotel makes no contribution to the significance of the listed Custom House. Indeed, demolition in favour of something ‘better’ is considered as the preferable way to visibly ‘lift’ and restore it’s architectural dignity.”
They say a “radical” approach is needed to bring the Custom House back to life.
The design has had to take into account the hotel chain’s promise that customers should get a guaranteed “great night’s sleep” and the number of rooms facing onto the railway should be minimised.
The plans are available to view on the council website. building