Plans revealed for mixed-use redevelopment of Cardiff’s Howells building
Plans for the redevelopment of the historic Howells building in Cardiff have been revealed, which could see the former Baptist chapel turned into a food and beverage or leisure destination.
The listed Bethany Chapel and adjoining Sunday school building will form part of the wider £100m mixed-use development of the 270,000 sq ft Howells building site.
Real estate firm Thackeray Group acquired the site out of receivership last year.
The redeveloped scheme will have public realm space running through the chapel – which sits in the centre of the Howells building – and linking to Cardiff Market. The Baptist chapel could provide up to 15,000 sq ft of space.
The Howells scheme is being marketed jointly by local property advisory firm EJ Hales and CBRE. It has lain entirely vacant since House of Fraser closed earlier this year.
Also at the scheme will be 40,000 sq ft of restaurant and leisure space along St Mary Street, as well as 25,000 sq ft of grade A office space.
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, 15,000 sq ft of retail space, and 40,000 sq ft of office space.
The project is expected to take around two years.