Anniversary celebration for landmark development
CARDIFF shopping centre St David’s celebrated its 10th birthday this week.
Since opening its doors in 2009, the centre has attracted tens of millions of visitors and welcomed hundreds of brands into the the city centre, many of which remain firsts for Wales, and the centre has hosted some of the biggest shopping events in the UK.
Over 10 days throughout the birthday month, St David’s has celebratory giveaways, activities and treats. The centre is also creating a gallery, showcasing the best of the city’s history, never-before-seen images from the centre’s build and highlights from the past 10 years.
The gallery has been curated with image and story submissions from the local community, and in partnership with cult Cardiff brand I Loves The ‘Diff.
Speaking about the celebration gallery, Chris Amodeo from I Loves The ‘Diff said: “Thanks to everyone that has contributed to the gallery.
“It’s been incredible to see snapshots of the years gone by. I find it fascinating to think about the lives and history of the local community – with all the trials and tribulations they would have entailed – that were played out on the very same spot that we now go about out our daily lives. Hopefully one day Cardiffians of the distant future will spare a thought for us too.”
St David’s Cardiff is also known for its visual installations – including Brŵs, the great white shark that made the centre home for the summer – and to mark 10 years in the city centre the centre has installed giant birthday balloons and a 3m, 10-tier birthday cake that depicts highlights from the past decade.
When the St David’s shopping centre opened its doors in 2009, it transformed more than one-third of the Cardiff city-centre footprint.
Footfall in Cardiff has increased by 46% over the past 10 years. Since opening, the centre has debuted many leading brands in Wales for the first-time, including Apple, John Lewis, All Saints, Bershka and The Ivy Collection.
James Waugh, general manager for St David’s Cardiff, said: “We are so excited to be celebrating our 10th birthday with the people of Cardiff and beyond.
“St David’s has transformed Cardiff into one of the busiest shopping cities in the UK and the team are extremely proud of what has been achieved since opening the doors in 2009.
“From local residents submitting pictures and stories from the centre and surrounding areas, to joining us for 10 days of music, giveaways and all-important birthday cake – we’re looking forward to sharing our anniversary celebrations with everyone.”