Green light for former Cardiff department store revamp
A redevelopment of part of a former House of Fraser department store in Cardiff has been approved by councillors.
The proposals for the Grade II-listed Howells building were backed by Cardiff City Council at a Special Committee meeting on Thursday (21 December) night.
They include a partial demolition of the department store to create studio apartments and flexible commercial floorspace.
The proposals – submitted by TE Cardiff 7 – also include the restoration of the nearby Bethany Chapel and Sunday School, as well as the extension of additional storeys to the Percy Thomas Warton Street block, and improvements to public realm space, infrastructure, and engineering.
Developer Thackeray is looking to transform these buildings to create a retail element comprising 15,000 sq ft, as well as 40,000 sq ft of food and beverage space and 25,000 sq ft of offices.
There are also proposals for 25,000 sq ft of basement leisure space next to the chapel site, with the aim of attracting bar and restaurant operators. Nearby, there are further plans for 62 studio apartments and 40,000 sq ft of office space.
Thackeray acquired the site out of receivership last year. Local advisory firm EJ Hales and CBRE have been acquired to market the retail component of the Howells building.