Futuristic floating village planned for disused Cardiff dock

Alex Seabrook, local democracy reporter

Developers are planning to build a futuristic floating village on the disused dock at Atlantic Wharf in Cardiff.

The Bute East Dock, in between Lloyd George Avenue and the Central Link Road, was built in the 1850s but closed in 1970. The dock is now a popular spot for walking, jogging and fishing, and is surrounded by apartments.

Homes, office and retail space could soon be built floating on the water, according to newly revealed plans. Developers Float8 are discussing with Associated British Ports (ABP), which owns the dock, about plans for a ‘floating artisan eco-village’.

A spokesman for Float8 said: “We can confirm Float8 is in ongoing exploratory discussions with the owners of a redundant dock in Cardiff regarding a first of its kind in the UK floating artisan village proposal at the Bute East Dock.

“Discussions are still in early stages of outline development and we are not in a position to disclose detailed information, other than our proposal includes a mixed-use floating scheme combining public realm space, floating homes, floating offices and retail space.”

‘Wellbeing’ 

The spokesperson added: “With a team of experts in both property development and nautical activities, the Float8 vision stems around creating great places to live, work and play on water, connecting residents to the water’s wellbeing benefits, and always with protection of the environment for future generations at the heart of everything we do.

“Float8 is looking to work with the local authority and local residents in delivering a scheme which provides next-generation living on water.”

The proposals are still in the early stages, and the developers haven’t yet applied for planning permission. The wider area around Atlantic Wharf is part of a masterplan from Cardiff council to build more than 1,000 new homes, an indoor arena, hotels and a public square.

Float8 is also talking to councils in other parts of the country about building ‘floating villages’ on harbours, canals, docks and lakes elsewhere.

An ABP spokesperson said: “We are working with Cardiff council to assess the best options for future opportunities on Bute East Dock.

“The council’s recent decision to appoint a preferred developer for the arena, together with Atlantic Wharf master planning, presents an excellent chance to consider development opportunities for the dock.

“ABP considers these wider development proposals as the next exciting chapter in the history of the transformation of the Bay. We are still at an early stage of the process and have not appointed any parties to provide advice on a scheme at this time.”