The regeneration of the Welsh capital has brought numerous opportunities for investors and local businesses in recent years. Cardiff has risen in prominence, attracting a significant level of investment from overseas.
These changes have naturally led to a transformation in the way that the city looks. Areas that were previously in need of attention have now become locations where people choose to spend leisure hours.
In this article, we take a look at five of the finest commercial properties that the city has to offer.
1. Callaghan Square
This large public square has recently become the site for 6 new office buildings, at a total cost of £160 million. Developed by MEPC Cardiff Investments, the site had once been mentioned as a possible location for the Welsh Assembly.
The development was carried out as part of a Private Finance Initiative and the site has proved popular, located within walking distance of many city centre attractions, together with Cardiff Central railway station. There are plans in place to extend the range of buildings located within the complex, with designs having been submitting for a large conference centre.
2. Parc Hotel
The Parc Hotel was originally constructed in the nineteenth century and has long been a landmark within the city. Recent renovations have looked to make improvements that protect the heritage of the structure.
The hotel now includes 140 rooms, while the Champagne Bar is a popular haunt for those looking to be seen in the city. The refurbishment cost £15 million to carry out, with work having been overseen by the team at Rolfe Judd. Founded in 1968, Rolfe Judd has a strong track record of producing truly inspiring commercial buildings.
3. Sleeperz Cardiff Hotel
The award-winning design for the creation of the Sleeperz Cardiff Hotel was produced by the team at Clash Associates. Making use of a triangular site, the hotel is located next to the main railway station in the city.
An important part of the design blueprint was to create a plan that could be rolled out in a range of locations. Full height windows have been used to bring light into all suites, while the building embraces its surroundings, using stone and local materials to create an original look.
The addition of an external courtyard has created a space in which hotel guests can relax within this location at the very heart of the city.
4. Cardiff International Sports Village
As one of the largest urban regeneration projects ever undertaken within the United Kingdom, Cardiff International Sports Village has an understandably high profile.
Development of the complex has not been without its problems and there have been a number of delays over the years. Some elements have still to be completed, with the main arena due to open in 2015.
There have also, however, been a number of real successes. A temporary arena has been used to host ice hockey matches, while the Cardiff International Pool provides seating for 1,000 spectators. As well as offering an Olympic-size swimming pool, there are also attractions aimed at children and those looking to swim in a more leisurely manner.
5. Mermaid Quay
Located within 5 minutes of the city centre, Mermaid Quay provides a host of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. This shopping and leisure hub was originally opened in 1999 and now offers more than 150,000 square feet of retail space.
The entire development was made possible by a regeneration programme that was led by the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation. That regeneration has dramatically improved the waterside area of the city, ensuring that this is a popular area for residents and visitors.