Plans for new 17,000 capacity Cardiff Arena advance

Plans for a proposed 17,000-capacity indoor arena to be built in Cardiff Bay have moved a step closer following the submission of a hybrid planning application by the consortium behind the scheme.

The consortium, led by Robertson Construction, has submitted a detailed application for the first phase of the Butetown regeneration plan, backed by Cardiff Council, which includes the arena, a hotel and associated parking.

Outline planning is also being sought for a wider Atlantic Wharf regeneration scheme, including the construction of up to 1,150 new homes as well as office spaces, and leisure facilities built over a seven year period.

If planning is granted for the arena, construction could commence in autumn next year and the venue could welcome its first paying customers in 2025.

Nick Harris, group executive property director, Robertson, told Construction Enquirer: “Earlier this year we undertook public consultation events on the proposed plans and have been greatly encouraged by the positive feedback received from the local community.”

Red Dragon Centre

Further phases of the project will see the relocation of businesses in the Red Dragon Centre to allow the construction of a purpose-built facility for food and drink outlets and a new cultural centre incorporating the Wales Millennium Centre production space, potentially a National Art Gallery, and a fly-through visitor attraction.

The new indoor arena aims to create a premier, UK-visitor destination, which could attract one million visitors every year and bring more than £100m per annum into the local economy.

As part of visitor attraction plans it was revealed in July that moves are underway to recognise the musical heritage of Wales as part of the new arena.

Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway, said: “The new indoor arena will be a top tier UK visitor attraction and the financial benefits that it will bring to Butetown and the wider area will be significant – with up to 2,000 jobs created during the construction phase and a further 1,000 jobs in operation when the Atlantic Wharf masterplan becomes a reality.

“Through the Atlantic Wharf masterplan, significant improvements will be made to the public realm and to transport links, and there is no doubt that the regeneration of this site will kick-start the next phase of regeneration in Cardiff Bay.”