First phase of redevelopment at brewery site set for go-ahead
THE first phase of one of the biggest regeneration schemes ever seen in Wales in the coming years is set to be approved by planning officials.
Central Quay would see more than 2.5million sq ft of development, including new bars, restaurants and apartments on the site of Brains Brewery in the centre of Cardiff.
Cardiff council’s planning committee will meet today to consider the first phase of the ambitious project.
The first phase of the Central Quay redevelopment includes an 11-storey building – to be known as The Ledger – which would feature a market for independent retailers and a cafe on the ground floor, along with office space and a cafe and gym for staff.
Plans for a seven-storey, 695space car park and a new public square will also be considered by the committee today.
The majority of the car park would be for public use – as 284 parking spaces in the area including at the railway station will be lost as part of the Central Quay development.
Cardiff council planning officers have asked the committee to approve the first phase of the development.
The wider development of Central Quay will also include 1,000 new apartments, 50 bars and restaurants, and 1.5 million sq ft of offices.
Cardiff Metropolitan University has identified Central Quay as its preferred location for its School of Technologies, which aims to have 2,000 new students by 2023.
When the plans for the Central Quay scheme were released, Paul McCarthy, chief executive of Rightacres, said: “Central Quay will create a new chapter for a site with a long history, bringing new ideas, creativity and ambition to this vibrant citycentre location.
“It is poised to become Cardiff’s focal gathering place for businesses and visitors, with live music, a wide choice of bars and restaurants, and a calendar of events such as food and beer festivals.”
The Central Quay masterplan has been designed by international architectural practice Benoy. The Ledger office building has been designed by Cardiff-based architectural firm Rio.
The designers have worked closely with the Design Commission for Wales and Cardiff council’s planning team.
A decision on whether it will commit to a new build campus at Central Quay is expected shortly.
SA Brain & Co is planning to relocate to a new brewery and office headquarters in Cardiff Bay in the spring of next year.
If the Central Quay development gets the go-ahead, it would continue the transformation of Cardiff city centre over the past decade, and would link up to the development of Central Square – which includes the BBC’s new headquarters and the city’s new bus station.