Venue plan for former bank vault

A FORMER bank vault could be turned into the capital’s newest events space.

The vaults are under the Grade 2-listed Portland House, on Bute Street in Cardiff Bay.

The applicant says that the space is “regarded as one of the best underground venues in the UK”.

Opened in 1927 and originally the Cardiff docks branch of the National Provincial Bank, it was owned by NatWest up until 2002.

The venue has been hosting one-off events in the space, but the new application is for a permanent licence.

The application is for a licence to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshments and entertainment, including live music and dancing.

The owners of the venue were approached to give details of their new premises, but did not respond to requests for comment.

The application is for the venue to open between 9am and midnight on Mondays to Wednesdays, and between 9am and 5am, Thursdays to Sundays.

The application also lays out measures to keep guests safe and secure, including CCTV and door staff.

All events would be ticketed and all drinks served in plastic cups.

A trained medic will be at the venue at all times and arrangements made with taxi firms for event days to ensure enough vehicles are available.

Police have listed a number of conditions for the application to get their approval.

An objection has been sent to the licensing subcommittee that will hear the application.

It says that noise will have a detrimental effect on local residents.

“At present you can hear music from the venue late at night around 100 yards away,” it reads.

“In summer you cannot sleep with your windows open because of this.

“There has previously been assurances from the venue to keep noise to a minimum but this has not happened.”

The resident asks for the licence to be granted no later than midnight.

The applicant says tests from the neighbouring lane will be made to check noise levels and limiters will be installed which only certain staff will have access to.

The application also says the walls are 1,200mm thick “which are excellent for sound issues”.

Portland House has become a popular location for film crews, with Doctor Who, Torchwood and Casualty all filming there.

The upstairs of the venue has also become an events space, hosting weddings and activities including the Gin Festival.