New vision for prominent Cardiff offices

Plans have been unveiled seeking permission for a prominent office building in Cardiff to be used as a performing arts training centre.Acting on behalf of University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), Savills has lodged plans relating to Hayward House North on Dumfries Place.Approval is sought for the change of use of Hayward House North from the existing office use to a facility that can function as the UWTSD’s new centre.The three-storey property incorporates about 16,500 sq ft of space and is currently occupied by Slater and Gordon Lawyers. The law firm set to vacate next month, relocating to the second floor of the adjacent Hayward House South.UWTSD formed in 2010 as a merger between the University of Wales Lampeter and Trinity University College Carmarthen before subsequently growing to incorporate Swansea Metropolitan University, Coleg Sir Gâr, and Coleg Ceredigion.At present, UWTSD’s performing arts courses operate from a number of premises across Cardiff and, following a property search, the organisation has identified Hayward House North as the best location to bring its operations under one roof. It is envisaged that a maximum of 140 students will be onsite at any one time.According to a report by Savills, establishing a performing arts centre at Hayward House North will generate a “substantial economic dividend” to the city, broadly split into the direct employment offered by the facility and the spill-over indirect benefits associated with a student population.A series of modest internal alterations are proposed to accommodate the planned new use. The proposals include no external alterations.About 50 jobs will be created by the facility if approval is secured.