A public consultation has been launched in relation to Cardiff Council’s plans for the transformation of Atlantic Wharf, Butetown, Cardiff. Prior to the submission of the planning application in Autumn 2021, residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on the proposal which will create a new visitor destination. Anchored by a new public square and arena, Atlantic Wharf is set to become a destination address in Cardiff with a new cultural centre, retail and leisure facilities, hotels, multi-storey car-parking and new homes.
Last year, the Council appointed a consortium of Robertson as developer and Live Nation and Oak View Group as operator, as preferred bidder to deliver the new arena and hotel, and now the public’s views are being sought on the arena proposals and the wider Atlantic Wharf masterplan.
Cabinet Member for Investment and development at Cardiff Council, Cllr Russell Goodway said: “The Cabinet approved the masterplan for Atlantic Wharf late last year and as a result we are now ready to commence the public consultation process. By making better use of the existing space, we have the opportunity to create a premier UK visitor destination, a leading international culturally diverse area to live, work and enjoy. Connecting Atlantic Wharf to Cardiff Bay provides the possibility of bringing over 1 million visitors to the city annually, resulting in the creation of thousands of new jobs and homes.
“At the heart of the proposal is the drive to improve public transport across the area as part of the South Wales Metro programme. In addition to a new transport hub connecting the City, the Bay and St Mellons to support the movement of people. The intention, where possible, is to connect the development to the proposed Cardiff Heat Network to allow Cardiff Council to meet its One Planet aspirations by 2050.
“The consortium has committed to working with the Council’s ‘Into Work’ services to ensure job and training opportunities are created during both the development and operational phases of the Arena and hotel with a real focus on identifying job opportunities for local people. ”
Throughout the consultation period, a website has been established where comments on the proposals can be left and a questionnaire has been designed to gather feedback. In June, the Council and the consortium will host several online interactive sessions and it is hoped that by the end of the summer some face-to-face events will be possible.
Graham Walters, Live Nation (UK Venues), Chief Operating Officer, said: “It is integral that we listen to the views of the local community in how we can work together to deliver a world-class destination for the city and the local area. The new arena development, will fulfil an existing gap in Cardiff’s entertainment field to bring some of the world’s leading performers, and a wide and diverse range of shows and events to Cardiff.
“The proposals that are being brought forward will transform the area to be one of the UK’s major urban destinations, that will add considerable benefits, both economic and regenerative, to the local community and wider region.”
Nick Harris, Group Executive Property Director, Robertson, said: “The health and wellbeing of site neighbours and residents is a key factor for us throughout the consultation process and we are hoping that many of the community will engage with us virtually until such times that we can meet in person again.
“While Atlantic Wharf will become a key visitor destination it will also become an integral part of the local community which is why it is so important that the community are able to have their views heard.”
Mark Donnelly, Chief Operating Officer, OVG International said “The start of the public consultation is an important step in the transformative proposals for the regeneration of Atlantic wharf. We want the arena to be a hub of the local community, so it is vital that local residents are able to feed into to the plans and help shape the project.
“The arena is a significant step in the development of Cardiff as a major music city and will host a diverse range of cultural and family events. Importantly, it will also generate millions for the local economy and create thousands of jobs through construction and once opened.”
The public consultation is now open and further information can be found at www.atlanticwharfcardiff.co.uk
Following the public consultation period, planning will be submitted in late Autumn and if granted construction on the new arena and hotel will commence in Spring 2022.