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A new future for Cardiff’s Atlantic Wharf

Cardiff Council has an ambitious plan to re-energise Atlantic Wharf in Butetown. We are unlocking its potential to create a top UK visitor destination, and a vibrant, sustainable environment that brings enjoyment, employment and economic benefits locally.

At the heart of the masterplan is a 15,000 capacity, world-class arena for live concerts, family shows, comedy, sport and more. Across the 30-acre site our vision is to create high-quality outdoor spaces, build new homes and hospitality, leisure and office spaces. And our plans for new walking and cycling routes, and improved public transport links, will make Atlantic Wharf an easy place to get to and get around.

We’ve created this site for our local communities and stakeholders, so you can stay up to date with proposals and find out how, where and when you can take part.

The Atlantic Wharf Butetown, Cardiff masterplan: an overview

The plan is to extend the public realm from Cardiff Bay Waterfront into Atlantic Wharf, creating a new city destination where people come to work, have fun and relax.

  • 15,000-capacity events arena.
  • Modern, mixed-use development including food and leisure amenities, replacing the Red Dragon Centre.
  • New cultural centre incorporating the Wales Millennium Centre production space, potentially a National Art Gallery, and a ‘This is Wales’ fly-through visitor attraction.
  • Landscaped public square with events space, seating areas and free children’s activities.
  • Replacement Travelodge.
  • 150-bedroom, four-star hotel.
  • 150,000 sq ft of office space.
  • Up to new 1,100 homes.
  • New transport hub connecting the metro line between the Bay, City and new St Mellon’s stations, and superb pedestrian and transport links for modes including buses, cars, cycles, and scooters.

A new visitor destination for Cardiff Bay: bringing the plan to life

The Atlantic Wharf masterplan includes four phases of development and will take approximately seven years to complete. The views of our communities and stakeholders are vital to shaping proposed developments and designs, so we’re keen to hear from you at upcoming public consultations before the planning application is submitted in autumn 2021.

Phase 1: Construction starts on the arena and hotel in spring 2022, with completion in time for doors opening in 2025. This phase also includes building a multi-storey car park to replace the lost surface parking.

Phase 2: Businesses in the Red Dragon Centre will be relocated so works can start on a purpose-built facility to accommodate leisure, food and drink amenities. Plans include a new cultural centre incorporating the Wales Millennium Centre production space, potentially a National Art Gallery, and a ‘This is Wales’ fly-through visitor attraction.

Phase 3: A new 150,000 m2 office space delivered along with a 150-bed, four-star hotel.

Phase 4: A new neighbourhood delivering new homes and potential for retail and office space – this phase is dependent on relocation of the County Hall to a new, purpose-built building.

The planning process

Key dates for planning are:

Spring/summer 2021: Public consultations begin, including online webinars during Covid-19 restrictions

Summer 2021: Pre-application consultation

Autumn 2021: Planning application submission

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