St. Davids Shopping Centre

St Davids centre has posted on their social media that Hollywood Bowl will be opening in the shopping centre in early 2026. Seems a saturated market already to me

Presumably related to the Red Dragon Centre redevelopment?

Must have to move eventually I guess, think they've got some years yet though.

My best guess is it will go in the old all you can eat unit, so it will have an external entrance near the new square being opened up

This is a big letting for St. David's, will go down like a lead balloon with The Capitol I imagine (still no sign of anything happening there). This must include the basement, the old buffet place and some units in the Grand Arcade. Am guessing that it's not in the new square as it won't be completed by Spring.

From the Hollywood Bowl website:

"Opening Spring 2026 – Cardiff, Get Ready to Play Big!

Hollywood Bowl is bringing its biggest centre yet to the iconic St David’s Cardiff, this all-new multi-level, family entertainment experience will redefine fun for families, friends, and thrill-seekers alike.

Split across two floors inside a 45,000 square foot space, be amongst the first to experience:

• Ten-pin & duckpin bowling
• Interactive darts
• Arcades and pool tables
• Bar and diner serving mouthwatering favourites
• Plus electric go-karting!

This is more than bowling. It’s a next-level social playground, packed with competitive energy, high-speed thrills, and perfect for families and friends to make unforgettable memories together

Get ready, Cardiff – something epic is rolling your way".

This is a big letting for St. David's, will go down like a lead balloon with The Capitol I imagine (still no sign of anything happening there).

I wish they'd just demolish The Capitol Centre and be done with it. Malls aren't coming back and Cardiff has too many,

Better to start with a blank slate and work up some ideas around a new mixed-use city centre community.

This is a big letting for St. David's, will go down like a lead balloon with The Capitol I imagine (still no sign of anything happening there).

I wish they'd just demolish The Capitol Centre and be done with it. Malls aren't coming back and Cardiff has too many,

Better to start with a blank slate and work up some ideas around a new mixed-use city centre community.

100% agree, it's a carbuncle anyway, mixed, horrible architecture. But what are the chances of something happening? Look at the Queen's Arcade redevelopment plans, they're really good but no sign of any progress, sad really.

This is a big letting for St. David's, will go down like a lead balloon with The Capitol I imagine (still no sign of anything happening there).

I wish they'd just demolish The Capitol Centre and be done with it. Malls aren't coming back and Cardiff has too many,

Better to start with a blank slate and work up some ideas around a new mixed-use city centre community.

100% agree, it's a carbuncle anyway, mixed, horrible architecture. But what are the chances of something happening? Look at the Queen's Arcade redevelopment plans, they're really good but no sign of any progress, sad really.

I was chatting to a friend at Rightacres about this and he said that they and other developers have all slowed-up the pace of their projects. It's all about 'yield' apparently. Because Pension Funds and the like can currently get very good yields from Gilts there's less interest in commercial property.

Apparently a few years back investors were looking for annual return of 2-3% on property deals. Now it take 5-6% to get plans over the line.

Surely it's always about yield. An investment needs to deliver a return greater than what you'd get in gilts or bank deposits or theres no point in taking the risk. It's just that we had a long period with near zero interest rates.

IMHO, it's inevitable that Capitol centre will be redeveloped - probably as a residential tower(s) led scheme with a with a significant leisure element. I cant see that happening until more is done on "Canal Quarter" and this part of town looks like a safer bet i.e. we will probably need to wait for MotorPoint & Rapports to be redeveloped first.

Just read that Land Securities, the owners of St. David's, purchased Queen Arcade last year. Is it possible that the disused part of Queen Arcade be a possible site for this development? With the remaining retail merged into St. David's for management purposes. No planning applications on the council portal mentioning Hollywood Bowl yet so I guess we will have to wait and see.

Just read that Land Securities, the owners of St. David's, purchased Queen Arcade last year. Is it possible that the disused part of Queen Arcade be a possible site for this development? With the remaining retail merged into St. David's for management purposes. No planning applications on the council portal mentioning Hollywood Bowl yet so I guess we will have to wait and see.

There are several units in the Grand Arcade that have been designated for leisure. The only other thing that I can think it could be otherwise is the remaining part of Debenhams that leads onto the first floor of the Grand Arcade by the escalators, but I don't think the city square development will be ready by then.

Interesting to hear about LandSec buying Queen's Arcade though, wonder if they'll continue the consented scheme.

There are several units in the Grand Arcade that have been designated for leisure. The only other thing that I can think it could be otherwise is the remaining part of Debenhams that leads onto the first floor of the Grand Arcade by the escalators, but I don't think the city square development will be ready by then.

Interesting to hear about LandSec buying Queen's Arcade though, wonder if they'll continue the consented scheme.

Given how many empty units there are in Saint Davids itself, I really can't see them keeping Queen's Arcade as it is. It's almost dead and the design of place, never great too begin with, is very tired. Personally I think opening it up as street was a great idea and I'd go with it, if I was them.