Flagship civic and to get new lease
ON the back of the wealth generated from the oncevibrant coal industry of south Wales, Cardiff was able to build a wave of flagship office and civic buildings in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
But in a post-industrial world, some have lost their way and have remained empty for years.
However, there are plans to give some of them a new lease of life.
The apartments will be ready for occupancy next year – at the development that runs from Bute Street to Bute Place.
The building was built in 1889 for Cory Brothers & Co, whose business interests included chandlery, brokerage, colliery and wagon ownership and coal exporting.
Subject to planning approval, Merchant House and Customs House will also be turned into apartments.
And with the proposed new build, to be known as Skyview House, Merchant Place could eventually provide more than 100 apartments.
The Cardiff office of international property advisory firm Savills has been appointed to market the apartments.
A spokeperson for Savills said: “On behalf of Skyview Estates, we are very excited and passionate about the restoration of these iconic buildings into unique residential apartments in the heart of Cardiff Bay “
With proposed future schemes at Merchant House, Customs House and Skyview House, Merchant Place could have around 100 apartments.
Merchant House was formerly a post office on the ground floor with offices above. Both buildings in the centre of Cardiff have been empty for years.
But now developer Barola Properties have revealed plans for a 20-storey Premier Inn with a bar and restaurant at the site.
The development proposes to “sensitively redevelop” Custom House, retaining its listed façade, and bringing it back into productive use.
The York Hotel site would be demolished.
A full planning application will be submitted following feedback from the current public consultation.