The vision for the first phase of Cardiff’s ambitious plans to create a multi million pound Central Business District in the heart of the city centre is to be discussed by the Executive.
The blueprint for the first stage of this ambitious scheme which will create thousands of jobs and make major improvements to city’s infrastructure also outlines a draft masterplan for Central Square and a new Central Bus Station.
Earlier this year in a landmark announcement Cardiff Council confirmed that investment of up to £160m will be secured for the city as a result of the establishment of a new strategy for growth which will see the Welsh capital firmly established as an economic powerhouse.
Funds of up to £60m including £21m from the Welsh Government have been earmarked for the scheme, which has since benefited from being designated an enterprise zone by WG, and a further £100m is also expected to be ploughed in from private sector investment.
The vision, which will help to rejuvenate the entire city-region, will:
- Attract further blue chip companies to the city creating thousands of jobs
- Deliver up to four million square feet of office space on land covering 140 acres from the bus station past Callaghan Square and into Cardiff Bay
- Establish a Convention Centre which will boost the economy by £46m each year
- Create a new gateway to the city centre
- Establish an integrated transport hub with first class transport facilities
- Create a better link between the city centre and Cardiff Bay
The Executive is being asked to approve the vision for phase one of the development, which includes the redevelopment of Central Square, to create a new vibrant public area at the entrance to Cardiff Central Train Station with enhanced public realm, new walkways and a potential location for an International Conference and Convention Centre. It is hoped this new gateway will provide the impetus for the creation of the new CBD office environment with talks ongoing with two high profile businesses who could act as anchor tenants to the scheme safeguarding jobs and providing opportunities for immediate and future growth. The vision also includes plans for the redevelopment of Central Bus Station to an improved and better integrated terminus which will not only improve facilities for bus travellers but also schedules and bus timetables.
The proposed new location of the bus station, which will be subject to discussions with present owners, means it could be accessed by buses from both the north and south and therefore become a part of the current bus box arrangements ensuring greater integration of services. This will enable up to 80% of bus services to go through the new terminus, rather than 41% at present, making traveling for passengers far easier.
The new bus terminus will also remain operational on event days and be fully accessible on Friday and Saturday nights when areas in the city centre are closed and buses currently need to be re-routed. With the new terminus this will now no longer need to happen and bus routes will remain unchanged, again making travel far easier for passengers
A new passenger area has been included in the design including a designated waiting area with access to information tickets desks, retail outlets as well as a café and public toilets. Provisions will also be made for Shopmobility, secure cycle parking with shower facilities, and left luggage as well as facilities for bus operators, including office accommodation, drivers’ restroom and toilet facilities. The blueprint also details plans to improve the area around Callaghan Square reinstating the original canal walkway from Penarth Road/Custom House Street to the square and removing the northern eastbound road to provide an area of continuous public realm which will eventually contribute to a pedestrian-friendly green lung that would extend from Cardiff Castle to Cardiff Bay. Council Leader Cllr Rodney Berman said, “I am delighted we are going to discuss the first phase of this exciting development and bring forward the blueprints which will help us deliver this multi-million pound investment.
”In the current economic climate our ambitious plans for a Central Business District for Cardiff are needed more than ever and will prove to be the start of a new era for the city firmly establishing us not just an economic driver for the city region but a powerhouse for the Welsh economy.
“This vision shows our commitment to driving Cardiff forward and seeking out every opportunity to attract new businesses to the area and safeguard those ones already here.
“I am also particularly pleased to see the proposals for a new Central Bus Station as this is something we have needed for some time and this vision will, I believe, be truly fit for 21st Century Cardiff.
“The new site of the bus station offers many benefits not least that we would be able to keep it open when major events are taking place in the city as the new configuration means there will be routes in and out and can operate when road closures are in place but there will also be greater integration with the bus box and existing services creating a true transport hub which makes it very easy for passengers to take public transport.”
Executive Member for Economic Development and Transport Cllr Neil McEvoy said, “Cardiff needs to stay one step ahead if we are going to continue to compete with cities in the UK and on the international stage and these plans enable us to be in great position to ensure that happens.
“We are determined to do everything we can to ensure Cardiff continues to prosper and grow and the CBD can be a catalyst for this growth.
“It is also important for any city to have good transport links and as the capital city of Wales and a major host for world class events it is imperative that the right infrastructure is in place.
“The new proposals for the bus station will make it even easier for people to travel around the city with ease and comfort as well as allowing for more bus services to enter the city centre.
“We consulted extensively with the public on the plans for the bus station and I am pleased to say their input has helped us create these exciting new plans.”
The Executive are now being asked to approve the draft masterplan and begin the preparatory work to put in outline planning permission as well as approve in principle the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders if needed to deliver the vision and allocate capital reserve to deliver the CBD and additional revenue for the International Conference and Convention Centre.
