Plans in for 32-storey Cardiff tower scheme

Plans have been lodged for a landmark development of up to 32 storeys on the site of the offices of a law firm in Cardiff.Joint applicants Boardroom Properties and Howells Properties, via agent Savills, have submitted an application to redevelop Hallinans House on Newport Road.Howells Properties, a partnership made up of senior colleagues of Howells Solicitors, owns the building and occupies the bulk of the space.Following its expansion in recent years, the law firm now employs about 90 staff in Cardiff. The redevelopment of its existing premises will support its relocation to “more prestigious and suitable offices” in the city.The proposals for new student accommodation cover the demolition of Hallinans House and construction of a new building ranging between 11 and 32 storeys, arranged over four connected towers.The development would comprise 464 student bedroom as well as facilities including a communal entrance area, study spaces, laundry, media room and gym. Two ground floor commercial units will also be created.A planning statement submitted as part of the application said the development supported the market for purpose-built student accommodation in Cardiff.It will also redevelop “a building that it reaching the end of its useful life as office floorspace” and “result in a positive economic benefit for the city” during the construction phase.The development is one of a number of large-scale student accommodation scheme proposed for Cardiff in recent years, including a 26-storey, 463-bed building on a site at Bridge Street and Charles Street; and a 447-bed property on Customhouse Street which, at 42-storeys, will become Wales’ tallest building. Both schemes have been put forward by developer Watkin Jones.Hallinans House was built in the 1960s and comprises 15,000 sq ft of space.