Thu Dec 08, 2016 11:38 am
Interesting the Normans "went native" in Ireland (and Scotland) in a way they did not in Wales. Hence, they ended up bolstering the native aristocracy which meant both Ireland and Scotland then reasserted their independence and didn't come under permnanent control until much later.
Back to Mr Blue Sky's main point. I have a one word response: B*llocks! The BBC chose Central Square over the other site that was really in play - Assembly Square - mostly due to the very practical matter that Central Square is much better connected by public transport and much closer to facilities like shops, bars and restaurants, which matter more and more to employees. By doing this, they've probably saved themselves thousands a year in taxi bills, as well (its fairly routine for them to offer taxis to people coming in to do an interview, say). On top of that it allowed them to argue they were facilitating a major regeneration project. And the site is slightly more regularly-shaped allowing for probably a more efficient layout of space.
Three further things on the BBC location.
1. This was a decision driven very much by BBC Wales - which is dominated by lefty types, with a fair dose of Welsh speakers.Its hard to see this as a "Tory conspiracy".
2. If it had ended up in Assembly Square, you would have then moaned that it was "overshadowing" the Sennedd. That it was the "stamp of the British empire in Wales new capital".
3. Actually, I think when we discussed it here, the preference was for it to go to the Assembly Square site (or, better yet, an earlier option considered in Porth Teigr). Consensus was that Central Square was probably strong enough to get going without the BBC but that the Bay needs a new catalyst to kick start things - and the BBC, and media and other companies it may bring along with it, could help with that. Clearly the BBC wanted an easier life with a quicker win on regeneration and a better location in terms of staff and visitor access.
The military medicine museum is something that has come from negotiations between the council and the regimental bodies in question. Its actually a good thing for the bay as there actually aren't that many "attractions" down there (and a big draw will go when Dr Who closes down). I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some moaning from Tories around its current base...
The navy thing is a bit different - I think this really is about trying to show a "presence" in the Welsh capital. But not in any jingoistic imperialistic English sense. Its more to counter the general feeling that the navy is in massive retreat. A few high profile (but in the scheme of things piddly) investments in high profile locations is an attempt to counteract perceptions of (an all too real) decline. In any case, I'd actually like to see more of a navy presence - as the visits by the naval boats again draws visitors and locals alike to the bay. We weren't ever a naval city - but at least the presence of something other than pleasure boats reminds people that the bay/docks were and are a working part of the city, not just a recreation area.