Central Square

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!

That makes sense.

From the Walesonline article this caught my eye -

No 2 Central, which will be located between 1 Central Square and the BBC headquarters, is already attracting strong occupier interest.

Rightacres is currently in discussions with a number of interested parties, which if agreed would see 50% of the building let.

The Cardiff-based developer is confident it will be fully let ahead of its completion.

That is obviously good news but it does suggest that L & G are not interested in having a HQ there. That means they may still have a requirement for new premises in or around the city centre. I wonder where?

I don't think HMRC will be looking at Central Square with a rent of £26 per sq foot (even with a rent free period). Someone I know who works there told me that the only information they have at the moment is that the move will take place in 2019 and it will be to premises that are no more than 10 minutes walk from Central Station. That could mean anywhere in the city centre of course but I wouldn't be surprised if it points to Capital Quarter - a short walk away, new building, lower rents.

Also does anyone have any news ofn the alleged Dept of Justice move?

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.

typical fence sitter

Karl

I've been reliably informed that L&G aren't moving anywhere.

10 minutes from the city centre could also be canton

Thats a shame. L & G have a big requirement. A nice shiny HQ in Central Square would have been pretty good.

I should also point out that my mole in HMRC also confirmed that the new location will be in the city centre. Whilst I agree a brisk 10 minute walk from Central Station could mean the Bay, Canton, Grange or Splott I think it's safe to say that none of these are on the agenda. Proximity to public transport is the key driver apparently.

Thats a shame. L & G have a big requirement. A nice shiny HQ in Central Square would have been pretty good.

I should also point out that my mole in HMRC also confirmed that the new location will be in the city centre. Whilst I agree a brisk 10 minute walk from Central Station could mean the Bay, Canton, Grange or Splott I think it's safe to say that none of these are on the agenda. Proximity to public transport is the key driver apparently.

you are such a curmudgeon

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'm not sure it's fair to blame the architects for how poor so many 1960s buildings were / are. The main problem was that they were very cheaply built - particularly those that used the system-build method.

The aesthetic is a matter of taste but there are good 1960s buildings out there - the BBC in Llandaff, the museum block in Saint Fagans and the Cardiff University Law Building spring to mind.

As for post 1950 buildings - are you really saying you wouldn't have wanted to keep the Empire Pool?

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'm not sure it's fair to blame the architects for how poor so many 1960s buildings were / are. The main problem was that they were very cheaply built - particularly those that used the system-build method.

The aesthetic is a matter of taste but there are good 1960s buildings out there - the BBC in Llandaff, the museum block in Saint Fagans and the Cardiff University Law Building spring to mind.

As for post 1950 buildings - are you really saying you wouldn't have wanted to keep the Empire Pool?

or Brunel house, or the Pearl Assurance, or the NCP car park on Westgate Street

I really like Capital Tower, it's aged very well and certainly beats Stadium House, Ty Pont Hernia and Brunel House. It looks solid and well built.

Until they put the loft extension on I liked Shand House on Newport Rd which was a 50's building I think. Isn't the building currently housing the Hilton from the 1950's? Thats a beauty.

Boots in Queen St? I used to hate that building but now I'm getting to quite like it - I think maybe it's because the remodelling of Queens Arcade next door was so gut wrenchingly shite it has grown in stature simply due to proximity.

What about the Wales Office building in Cathays Park (1970's?). I find it's uncompromising brutishness very pleasing. And what about the Cardiff Uni Music building in Corbett Rd with the Hepworth statue outside (1960's/70's)? I personally like the blank facade - very bold.

Another overlooked 70's building which I personally like but I know others will hate is West Lee in Cowbridge Rd East (next to Transport House).