A STUNNING skyscraper has been given the green light in Cardiff – but some locals are up in arms that it’ll ruin the skyline.
The huge 50-storey residential tower, complete with luxury facilities, is set to become the tallest building in Wales and rival Britain’s biggest skyscrapers.
With a maximum height of 178 metres, the scraper will be the second tallest building outside London, beaten by just 24m as Deansgate Square South Tower in Manchester remains the largest.
The residential tower in Cardiff will host 538 apartments with 344 one-bedroom units and 184 two-beds across a staggering 50-storeys right next to Cardiff Central Station.
Residents will be treated to a host of swanky facilities including a gym, cinema, lounges, spa, restaurant and bar hosted across 4 floors and an outdoor terrace facing the public square.
The top of the tower will include a 360 degree roof top terrace enclosed by large glass screens where bird’s eye views of the city can be enjoyed.
Alongside the main building there’ll also be a two-storey pavilion next door.
This will host 601 sqm of commercial space which includes a cafe, public bike parking and bike repair and maintenance service.
Construction is estimated to drum up £133 million in private sector investment, meaning a total of 1,820 jobs from the project according to an Economic Benefit Assessment.
This will mean £216 million created in the economy from the construction phase alone.
Located just round the corner from the Principality Stadium, the skyscraper will face high footfall of up to 80,000 passing through the area on match days.
The building replaces a planned 35-storey building which got the go-ahead in 2023.
Property developer REAP 3, a subsidiary of BlueCastle Capital, has scaled up the project, adding an additional 15 storeys to the original proposal.
But some locals are up in arms about the development, with concern it’ll ruin the city’s skyline and impact views from Cardiff Castle.
Councillor Michael Michael, who represents Trowbridge ward, said in one of the planning meetings: “I see nothing but good in this application.”
And local outlet WalesOnline reported a number of their readers had dubbed the plan an “eyesore”.
Planning documents reveal objections were raised over the proposed height and design – with its size “dominating” the skyline.
The documents read: “Objections are raised in relation to the proposed height and design of the proposed tower block.
“The proposed building is considerably taller than the existing tall structures in the view from the shell keep gatehouse.
“Rather than forming part of the established skyline it is the specific design intention to make a prominent statement, breaking away from the current harmonious skyline through its considerable height, towering above all other structures.”
The Welsh Government’s historical environment service Cadw raised concern for the impact on Welsh Heritage.
“In Cadw’s opinion the design of the proposed development, especially its
unprecedented height will constitute a significant and damaging change in views from the castle which will cause unacceptable damage to the setting of scheduled monument, Cardiff Castle, Roman Fort and Bute Park historic park and garden.”
But 5Plus Architects have assured locals the building will complement the Cardiff skyline.
They told The Sun: “We fully recognise that tall buildings naturally attract public interest and we respect the right of anyone to raise questions about safety and design.”
In their statement they reassured residents on their commitment to building safety and performance standards.
They’ve employed a specialist team who are “experienced in delivering some of the UK’s safest and most complex tall buildings”.
The face of the building will even be built from white Portland Stone to reflect light and blend the skyscraper with civic buildings and the city’s Central Square.
Along with the stone design, the grand entrance lobby is expected to include large arches complete with Welsh cultural wording and symbology as a nod to Cardiff’s deep role in Welsh history.
