CAFE PLAN FOR CITY LOO
A BRICKED-UP toilet block in the heart of Cardiff could soon be turned into a cafe, after the building was offered to let.
The grey Grade II-listed structure has long been a forlorn sight on a patch of land between Cardiff University and National Museum Cardiff in the Civic Centre.
But the property could be about to get a new lease of life after being put on the market.
Council officials say a planning application for a change of use and extension will be looked upon favourably, which would make it the latest in a catalogue of old conveniences around Wales to be transformed.
Owen Cahill from EJ Hales, the property advisory firm marketing the property, said there has already been a large amount of interest in the Cathays Park block.
He added: “This is a great location for a coffee shop, cafe or similar outlet.
The National Museum, City Hall and a number of Cardiff University buildings are all nearby and providing potential customers.
Plus the beautiful Cathays Park is on its doorstep.
“It would be a bit of work to get it up and running, but businesses such as Bloc Cafe at Victoria Park have shown that is possible and can create a stunning building.
“There is also room behind the property to create a glass atrium or extension to the existing building – subject to planning – to increase the seating capacity.”
Artist’s impressions for the building show the potential for extending the property out the back to offered covered area for seating.
Earlier this year Bloc Coffee renovated the Victorian toilet block next to Victoria Park, on Cowbridge Road East.
The transformation from old toilets to the quirky coffee shop took six months and while the interior is relatively compact, the cafe has a patio that overlooks the beautiful neighbouring park.
On Barry Island the Grade II-listed toilet block is being redeveloped into a restaurant hub of four outlets.
The disused changing rooms, which have a commanding view of Whitmore Bay, will be called Nell’s Point with one of the restaurants being housed on the roof of the current building and an extension on the side of the building, nearest the car park, to facilitate another.
The brochure for the Museum Avenue property says that significant incentives will be available for fit out/works.
The building on Museum Avenue will be available on a new full repairing and insuring lease with offers invited in the region of £19,500 per year.
Expressions of interest are sought by informal tender process, which must be submitted to EJ Hales by noon on Friday October 19.