Expectation not quite matched by reality . . .
IT’S often said that you shouldn’t look forward to things too much to avoid being disappointed.
That seems to be the case with one of the newest buildings in Cardiff.
In 2017 exciting new plans were revealed for a Navy base in Cardiff Bay, HMS Cambria.
Initial plans showed a sleek and futuristic building, with huge glass panels and angular surfaces.
Planning documents talked about “dynamism” through “exciting” design.
And at a time when more and more large tower blocks are planned for the city centre, a bit of variety would be welcomed.
But what was built was very different from the original plans.
Instead of the modern base, the building looks more like an industrial unit on a nondescript business park readily found anywhere in the country.
The initial planning documents sounded promising.
“The Royal Navy is a unique combination of land, air and sea capabilities merged into a single flexible and dynamic force. The design of the building has been required to capture this essence”, one section on the design said.
They added: “The development proposes a high-quality, exciting contemporary building to reflect the dynamism of the end users.
“The angled cladding and angled fin projections proposed would extend the analogy of diamond rock and enhance the image of strength and dynamism.”
The slightly less inspiring plans were revealed in 2018.
At the time, Commander Steve Fry, the commanding officer of local Royal Naval Reserve Unit HMS Cambria, said: “There have been adjustments to the building, which will offer state-of-the-art facilities for the Royal Navy and Reservists from across Cardiff to enjoy.
“We will be very happy to have such a site for the armed forces community in a modern and dynamic city.”
Described as “a crown jewel” in the Defence Estate, the UK Government said earlier in March that the base was delivered on time and on budget.
The project has enabled HMS Cambria, Wales’ only Royal Navy Reserve unit, to return to its original maritime home in Cardiff.
Four decades ago HMS Cambria moved from Cardiff Docks to Sully.
The “bespoke facility” will now serve as the central hub and operating base for the ship’s company from HMS Cambria; personnel from Wales’ University Royal Naval Unit who look after student Naval cadets at universities in the city; and the Royal Marine Reserves.
The building features classroom suites, shared accommodation facilities, administrative services, as well as social and fitness centres.