Bank building marketed for restaurant use

PLANS for a new restaurant in a landmark former bank building in Cardiff Bay have been revealed.

The ground floor and basement of the former HSBC bank building, on the corner of Bute Street and James Street, is being marketed by the Cardiff office of property advisory firm EJ Hales for restaurant use.

The available space across the two floors extends to just over 7,200 square feet.

It is being offered at an annual rent of £75,000.

Owen Cahill of EJ Hales said: “Cardiff Bay is now firmly established as a leading UK leisure location, so we are anticipating strong interest from regional and national restaurateurs.

“And having a new restaurant offer in such an historic and landmark building will only add to the appeal of the Bay area.”

Above the ground floor work is under way creating 15 new two-bedroom apartments, as well as a top floor penthouse with three bedrooms.

The apartments are expected to be brought to market this summer, while the residential scheme is on track for completion in the summer 2019.

The developer behind the scheme is Quinn & Co.

CPS Homes is overseeing the residential element.

The Grade II-listed building was vacated by the bank in 2014.

It was built in 1874, during the heyday of the coal trade in Cardiff docks.

Cardiff council will discuss the planning application at a meeting today and is asked to approve the scheme.