The Capitol

I notice the Capitol Shopping Centre has rebranded as "The Capitol" and promising 'something new', which to be fair it has been promising for a fair few years now:

http://www.capitolcardiff.co.uk
http://www.capitolcardiff.co.uk
CardiffRocks wrote:Might sound a bit controversial, but given the glut of empty units that end of town, what about knocking it/part of it down and turning it into a public/green space? Can be used for street food style events/bands still, but on a more ad-hog basis. This sounds like it may be the fate of the Debenhams plot. Could complement the canal and create some much needed space in what is a dense area of the city. I remember how popular the temporary park where Admiral was. If the car park was still needed, then it could go underground with a park above like they do on the continent.
CardiffRocks wrote:Might sound a bit controversial, but given the glut of empty units that end of town, what about knocking it/part of it down and turning it into a public/green space? Can be used for street food style events/bands still, but on a more ad-hog basis. This sounds like it may be the fate of the Debenhams plot. Could complement the canal and create some much needed space in what is a dense area of the city. I remember how popular the temporary park where Admiral was. If the car park was still needed, then it could go underground with a park above like they do on the continent.
Ash wrote:CardiffRocks wrote:Might sound a bit controversial, but given the glut of empty units that end of town, what about knocking it/part of it down and turning it into a public/green space? Can be used for street food style events/bands still, but on a more ad-hog basis. This sounds like it may be the fate of the Debenhams plot. Could complement the canal and create some much needed space in what is a dense area of the city. I remember how popular the temporary park where Admiral was. If the car park was still needed, then it could go underground with a park above like they do on the continent.
There are a few options I think - all of which involve demolition!
The first is the one you suggest but it could also be used for HE purposes. All three of the city's universities are expanding and a Queen Street campus might appeal to one or more of them. A mixed use development might also work but Central Quay would probably need to go first to avoid over-supply of BTR appartments, office accomodation etc.
What clearly won't work is any attempt to revitalise the current centre. It's always been externally unattractive and has been declining for the best part of twenty years. Bring in the wrecking ball!