Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood and Chris Franks have expressed their concern over the uncertainty surrounding the future of the ‘Tube’ visitor centre in Cardiff Bay.
The AMs for South Wales Central were speaking after seeing a letter in which it mentioned ‘there are no clear plans’ to re-site the unique attraction in Cardiff Bay in the future.
The letter by Alun Owens, chairman of Waterfront Partners – a body which includes Cardiff Harbour Authority, Craft in the Bay, Mermaid Quay, the Red Dragon Centre and Techniquest – was written to the acting chief executive of Cardiff Council, Tom Morgan.
The letter said: “I am writing as Chairman of the Waterfront Partners to express our concern regarding the future of the ‘Tube’ visitor centre in Cardiff.
“It is our understanding that there are no clear plans to re-site the ‘Tube’ in the future in Cardiff Bay and I would like to express the partners’ deep concern that we could lose one of the iconic buildings in Cardiff Bay and a building that has been synonymous with the regeneration of the area over the last 19 years.
“We would like to hear what future plans you have for the use of the tube building. We ask for confirmation that you intend to re-site the building in Cardiff Bay in the near future.”
A notice on the Visit Cardiff website simply states: ‘Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre otherwise known as the Tube will be closing on the 31st August and the Visitor Centre will move to the foyer of the Wales Millennium Centre, opening on 6th September.’
The website has no mention of what will happen to the Tube.
Mr Franks said: “We need some clarity on the future of this Cardiff Bay attraction. I have written to Cardiff Council to see what plans they have for the Tube.
“Some use should be found for this iconic feature because it is in a prominent position where many tourists enjoy walking.”
Ms Wood said: “The Tube is such an integral part of the Bay’s character.
“It is a quirky and unique building that attracts attention and it would leave a void on the eye-line of the Bay if it was to disappear.”
