Bay apartment and park scheme plans submitted
PLANS for a 24-storey apartment scheme in Cardiff Bay, with a new park, have been submitted.
Associated British Ports (ABP), plans to build up to 200 new homes on a near two acre land site it owns near the historic Norwegian Church, with its Dolffin Quay scheme.
The port operator said following a public consultation exercise, its latest plans provide for a bigger new park area than previously envisaged.
And under its proposals, which have now been submitted to Cardiff Council for planning determination, the historic grade II listed 19th Locky’s Cottage would be relocated closer to the Norwegian Church, to create a new cultural quarter.
The scheme has faced criticism, including from former Welsh Secretary of State and ABP board member Lord Crickhowell, over the height of the tower block. The scheme, if approved, would see:
up to 200 homes built – of which many of the apartments would have three bedrooms – in the up to 24 storey wedge shaped tower block while on its ground floor there would be commercial space for cafe, retail and restaurant uses; three kiosks; and bayside and dockside buildings along the waterfront – the dockside building will have five apartments above the commercial use on the ground floor. ABP said a new park, play area and open space, would be at the heart of the scheme.
Rhys Morgan, property manager at ABP South Wales, said: “The regeneration of Cardiff Bay has long been the aspiration of Cardiff Council. Our plans support that goal with the high quality regeneration that Cardiff’s waterfront deserves.
“The views of local people have been central to shaping our vision for Dolffin Quay.
“As a result of feedback, we’ve made changes to our original plans to increase the size of the new park. The scheme will also bring together other key areas undergoing regeneration as Cardiff looks to make its case as a world class capital city.”
A 28 day pre-planning application public consultation was held during March and April. And following the feedback the number of commercial kiosks in the original plans were reduced by three.