Fresh plans submitted for pub in long-vacant Grade-II listed building

Kieran Molloy, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans have emerged to turn a historic city-centre building that’s been empty for years into a new pub.

Croeso Pubs have put plans to Cardiff Council to transform the “longstanding vacant” property on St Mary Street.

The company currently operates several other pubs in and around the city including Blue Bell, Brewhouse, Retro and The Cricketers.

According to planning documents, St Mary Street has undergone a “notable shift in character” in recent years with a growing emphasis on food and drink, resulting in the street becoming a “destination for dining and socialising” within the capital.

The applicant wrote that the venue is expected to attract over 65,000 visitors each year, which would strengthen the local visitor economy.

Thirty jobs are expected to be created on-site across management, supervisory and kitchen roles.

It is also said that it will provide £30,000 per year to the city through business rates.

Opening hours for the venue are proposed to be between 9:00am to 2:00am Monday through Sunday.

The building, at 47 – 48 St Mary Street, has been vacant since 2016 despite long-term marketing.

The application reads: “The premises have been actively marketed without viable interest from retail operators with demand instead coming from the hospitality sector.”

Cadw dates the building to the turn of the 19th century and it is grade-II listed due to its “well preserved commercial frontage”.

In July 2024, the upper floors of the building were earmarked and approved to become 10 apartments, however these plans never came to fruition.

Its vacant use is described as causing a “negative contribution” to the St Mary Street conservation and wider street scene.

Planning documents read: “The application proposal represents an important and sustainable opportunity to bring this prominent property back into beneficial use.

The development will retain an active commercial frontage, support vitality and footfall on St Mary Street, and provide a viable long-term use in a prominent city centre location.”

The company said the proposal “complements and enhances the surrounding mix of retail and hospitality establishments and ensures a positive impact on the heritage context and future vitality of the area”.

At this stage, no internal or external alterations are proposed.

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