Cardiff masterplan takes another step forward

The Atlantic Wharf Materplan in Cardiff has taken another step forward with the council presenting the redevelopment opportunity to the market.Covering about 30 acres, the regeneration opportunity includes the planned indoor arena and the existing County Hall and Red Dragon Centre site.Cardiff Council has decided to split the area into two parts to accelerate the redevelopment of the site.About seven acres of land north of Hemmingway Road, containing the current County Hall site, will be taken forward through a procurement process. The council wishes to specify some elements of the redevelopment including the delivery of offices and a creative industries production studio.The procurement process will start with a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) providing four weeks for developers to declare their interest.Up to three bidders will then be shortlisted and taken through a detailed tender process, which the council is aiming to complete by spring of next year.The council said it is scheduled to define its core offices requirements by the end of the year ahead of concluding the business case by the spring before the final redevelopment proposal is chosen.The authority said the remaining 11.3 acres of land south of Hemmingway Road containing the Red Dragon Centre and land immediately adjoining will be marketed as a land transaction, as the council does not wish to specify any specific requirements.It added that the marketing process will run for eight weeks and will seek to secure a developer to enter into an ‘Option Agreement’. This is to bring forward a phased mixed-use development including the relocation of tenants of the Red Dragon Centre into new purpose-built space.Cllr Russell Goodway, cabinet member for investment and development, said: “Following the cabinet’s approval in July, the council is now ready to engage with the private sector to bring forward proposals that will transform this historic part of Cardiff into a leading UK destination for leisure, culture and tourism.”The marketing of the site will deliver the ancillary facilities for the Indoor Arena, as well as modern office space and a production studio, which will create further jobs and investment into this part of Cardiff Bay. Despite the challenging economic climate, the council is committed to transform this part of Cardiff Bay which will benefit local people by creating much needed jobs and opportunities for local people.”