Developer ‘considering its options’ after plans scrapped
A DEVELOPER who withdrew from a multi-million pound scheme in Cardiff Bay has said it is now “considering future options”.
Dolffin Quay was due to be a new complex in Cardiff Bay near the Norwegian Church.
The main aspect of the development would have been a 24-storey building.
Located between the Bay and Roath Basin along Harbour Drive, developer ABP said it would bring new shops, bars and restaurants along the side of the Bay.
It would have also included 200 new homes.
The scheme was criticised by local residents and politicians, who feared it would increase existing parking problems and remove the last open green space in Cardiff Bay.
On Tuesday night, developer ABP withdrew its plans for the scheme.
It says that it wants the “best outcome” for the area, but it has admitted the plans did not “strike the right balance”.
A spokesman said: “As a major employer and landowner in the city, ABP is invested in Cardiff Bay and is committed to working with the council, stakeholders and residents to secure the best outcome for the area.
“Having listened to the local community and met with councillors, we are persuaded that in some local people’s minds the current proposals do not strike the right balance between economic, environmental and social considerations – even after the significant changes we have made to the original proposals.
“As a result we have withdrawn the planning applications and are considering our future options.”
An online petition against the scheme had gained almost 4,000 signatures.
There were also vocal objections from the Welsh Norwegian Society who feared the impact it would have on the neighbouring Norwegian Church. A separate petition had another 7,000 names.
Lord Crickhowell, a former board member of ABP and who during his time as Secretary of State for Wales paved the way for the regeneration of Cardiff Bay with the establishment Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, described the scheme as being “fundamentally flawed”. He said the plans would be more appropriate for a city centre.
Speaking after the news of the plans being withdrawn on Tuesday, Stephen Doughty, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, said: “I hope that other developers in the Bay Area will take heed of the impact of considerable community concerns about infrastructure and the very special nature of the community in the Bay when they come to put forward proposals in the future”.