St. Davids Shopping Centre

Space NK have submitted a planning application for unit LG68. This is the unit that was previously occupied by Crew Clothing.

According to the Debenhams demolition plans, LandSec are proposing some significant layout alterations to St David’s 2.

1. The front half of MSU01 (previous Hamleys) and the front half of MSU02 (previous Clas Ohlson) will be amalgamated with MSU10 (current Sports Direct) and LG03 (current Sky) to create a sizeable unit for JD Sports. This includes the basement of MSU10.

2. The back half of MSU01 (previous Hamleys) and the back half of MSU02 (previous Clas Ohlson) will be amalgamated with LG80-83 (previous Red Hot World Buffet) to create a large Leisure unit - Leisure Box 1. The unit will also encompass the current basement space beneath MSU01 & MSU02.

3. The segment of the Debenhams unit that sits above SD1 will be repurposed for leisure use - Leisure Box 2

I’m slightly disappointed that the plans do not involve the creation of new, external facing retail units on Hill Street to replace Sports Direct, but somewhat pleased a new tenant (JD) is lined up to occupy a significant amount of space on the Lower Grand Arcade. A flagship JD store is long overdue in Cardiff.

According to a reliable source, Inditex have signed a lease for a Pull & Bear store on the Upper Grand Arcade. The store was originally due to open this November, but has been pushed back to Q1/Q2 next year as Inditex are prioritising a new Zara opening in Bath. Whilst the source could not confirm the exact unit, they said it would be close to John Lewis. I imagine Pull & Bear will either occupy MSU05 (previously Gilly Hicks) or UG33/34 (current Culture Clothing).

In other news, Schuh have reopened on the Upper Grand Arcade following their store refurbishment. Also, Crew Clothing have relocated from The Hayes to unit LG39 (previously Fossil).

Final observation, Space NK seems to be a very successful letting for the centre. The store seems consistently busy.

February 2024 Centre Update

- Units LG46/47/48 (previous Disney and Curry’s Digital) are currently behind one large hoarding - no idea who the upcoming tenant is
- The North Face is currently closed for refurbishment
- The Apple store is currently closed for refurbishment
- Hoardings have been erected around LG24 ahead of the opening of Sunnamusk
- Lounge Underwear are currently recruiting staff for a Cardiff store - likely to be opening in LG33 (previous Oasis)

February 2024 Centre Update

- Units LG46/47/48 (previous Disney and Curry’s Digital) are currently behind one large hoarding - no idea who the upcoming tenant is
- The North Face is currently closed for refurbishment
- The Apple store is currently closed for refurbishment
- Hoardings have been erected around LG24 ahead of the opening of Sunnamusk
- Lounge Underwear are currently recruiting staff for a Cardiff store - likely to be opening in LG33 (previous Oasis)

I assume that now Sports Direct have gone, the remodelling of the unit for JD and the redevelopment of the basement for food units will soon begin. This includes the rear of the large empty units on the ground floor.

Also the Debenhams demolition has moved a step closer with a consultation last weekend https://nation.cymru/news/consultation-launched-over-plans-to-create-new-city-centre-square/

Lounge is opening in the former Fossil store. Crew Clothing has been moved upstairs into old Ecco store

Greggs have submitted a planning application to occupy Unit 31a on St David’s Way. This unit is currently occupied by Trespass. This will likely replace the current Greggs store on Town Wall North (behind WOS). Watches of Switzerland have been pushing Land Sec for a unit amalgamation for quite some time, so I imagine a WOS store expansion is on the horizon.

Is there a recent lettings plan that could be shared? My knowledge of the units is not so great...!

The unit next to Hobbs on the lower Grand Arcade has a window vinyl saying Reiss is opening there in May 2024, this would be a downsize and relocation from The Hayes (it always looks dead so not surprised).

Maybe another restaurant unit coming to The Hayes?

The unit next to Hobbs on the lower Grand Arcade has a window vinyl saying Reiss is opening there in May 2024, this would be a downsize and relocation from The Hayes (it always looks dead so not surprised).

Maybe another restaurant unit coming to The Hayes?

The Centre told Reiss they were moving them into the Centre back last year and rumoured to be because Sexy Fish were taking over the unit. However now seems Oliver Bonus are expanding and relocating there