Grade II-listed toilet block could be converted into coffee shop
A GRADE II-LISTED toilet block behind the National Museum Cardiff and City Hall has been put out for tender.
The building, on Museum Avenue, is being marketed by EJ Hales and Cardiff council says planning applications for change of use and extension will be looked upon favourably.
The property could potentially be used as a coffee shop or cafe. Artists’ impressions for the building show the potential for extending the property out the back to offer a covered area for seating.
The building will be available on a new full repairing and insuring lease, with offers invited in the region of £19,500 per year.
Owen Cahill, from property advisory firm EJ Hales, which is marketing the property, said there has already been a large amount of interest in the former toilet block.
“This is a great location for a coffee shop, cafe or similar outlet,” added Mr Cahill.
“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.”
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 only 90sq m, 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 housed on the roof of the current building, plus 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 and works.
Expressions of interest are sought by informal tender process, which must be submitted to EJ Hales by noon on Friday, October 19, 2018.