Central Square

i really like the look of this building, very nice indeed. i noticed in the pictures that the car park for network rail behind and next to number 1 is gone and is all pedestrianised, i hope that does happen, as it will create a great walk towards the stadium and create more access and views of the river Taff. also i don't think car parking needs to be there at all but better to be situated behind central station instead.

I like the design a lot too, especially the "Woods (sic) Street" and Central Street facades with the double height glazing sections spanning two floors. A rung above the usual Cardiff office schemes. Not a cheap plasticky-looking panel in sight!

I think the car park behind Number 1 being gone is a bit of artistic license. Its not clear that it will remain as car parking, but it might be the taxi rank once the one out front is closed off.

I think the car park behind Number 1 being gone is a bit of artistic license. Its not clear that it will remain as car parking, but it might be the taxi rank once the one out front is closed off.

well we can live and hope for the best.

There is an application in for Plot 2 of Central Square -

http://planning.cardiff.gov.uk/online-a ... 773847.pdf

It doesn't add anything much to what we already know but it is interesting that the application to increase the height by one storey is due to recommendations by the DCfW and Cardiff CC Planning Officer. The rationale is that the increase in height will mean that the occupiers of the top floor of Plot 1 will not be overlooking the roof area of Plot 2.

The planning app has a few interesting pictures of models of Central Square and if adhered to the offices over the proposed bus station (particularly towards Wood Street) will be substantially taller than the BBC building, Plot 1 and Plot 2.

Karl

you always kindly provide links but they never seem to open, not for me anyway.

for those searching I'm sure the app number is 00708

It does look good, it's in the press as well

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/latest-office-scheme-central-square-11139593

It's good, but it's not outstanding. Sure, it's much better than the buildings in Capital Quarter and I love the use of glass, but I wouldn't say it was better than No. 1 Central Square by Cardiff-based RIO Architects. I expected something more from Foster & Partners, especially as they made such a fuss about this being their first project in Cardiff.

Yes it's not as eye-catching as No. 1 but I think this is what Cardiff lacks. Glass buildings that aren't outlandish, just nice. And given its location, I think it's best to keep the design subtle, what with it being somewhat dwarfed by its more quirky neighbours, No. 1 and BBC.

I really like it, and of course there will be comments from the public about how yet more "fantastic" 60s architecture has been destroyed to make way, but will these people really care when we've got a fantastic new transport interchange? People don't like change - until it happens. I don't see anybody complaining about St David's 2 anymore.

Can't wait to see Central Square come alive!

Anyone noticed the tall-ish background building in the second Walesonline image? Is it the tower on the old printing office plot or the replacement for St. David's house on Wood Street? I know it's just an artist's impression but maybe we are getting more than one tower?

Yes it's not as eye-catching as No. 1 but I think this is what Cardiff lacks. Glass buildings that aren't outlandish, just nice. And given its location, I think it's best to keep the design subtle, what with it being somewhat dwarfed by its more quirky neighbours, No. 1 and BBC.

I really like it, and of course there will be comments from the public about how yet more "fantastic" 60s architecture has been destroyed to make way, but will these people really care when we've got a fantastic new transport interchange? People don't like change - until it happens. I don't see anybody complaining about St David's 2 anymore.

Can't wait to see Central Square come alive!

Let's be honest, 1960's architect was, by and large, utter sh*t! Now I'm passionate about preserving old buildings, but my passion and love doesn't extend to much to buildings erected after 1950 at the latest!

I think you're right, "glass buildings that aren't outlandish, just nice" is what we need more of in Cardiff. Hopefully that will lift the style and quality of other developements. Something simple on that plot that doesn't detract or try to compete with the focus of the development, the interechange and the BBC buiding.

Anyone noticed the tall-ish background building in the second Walesonline image? Is it the tower on the old printing office plot or the replacement for St. David's house on Wood Street? I know it's just an artist's impression but maybe we are getting more than one tower?

I noticed that too. It looks as if those buildings on Wood St have grown in height. Plot 4 is shown as being 41m, which will be higher than No. 2 Central Square (Plot 2).

But if you look at the attached (all from the same planning submission) you'll see that proposed tower (which is to be taller than 91m) is shown in different locations. Clearly they haven't decided where they're going to put it yet!