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Plans revealed for new food hall in Cardiff

27 Jan 2025 3 minute read
A computer generated image showing what the transformed Castle Quarter Arcade could look like. Photo Rio Architects.

Ted Peskett, local democracy reporter

Developers behind some of Wales’ most popular food markets want to bring a new food hall to some of Cardiff’s historic arcades.

Loft Co’s plans for a food hall at Castle Quarter Arcades include proposals for 12 independent street food traders, restaurants, event spaces and a wedding venue.

The firm, which is also behind the Goodsheds (Barry), Newport Market and Albert Hall (Swansea) redevelopments, said it was committed to preserving the Grade II listed Castle Quarter Arcades which have been a part of Cardiff’s retail heritage since the 1880s.

HYS Food Hall, as the scheme is being called, is expected to open in late 2025 according to the developers.

Proud

Managing director of Loft Co, Simon Baston, said: “We are incredibly proud to bring Cardiff’s largest food hall, and to do so in such an iconic location.

“Cardiff is one of the UK’s fastest-growing core cities, and as our own capital city, this project is particularly close to us.

“This project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Cardiff’s heritage while creating something completely new and exciting for the city.

“We’ve seen how food halls have revitalised towns and cities across Wales, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact this development will have in Cardiff.

“This will be a landmark project for Loft Co and, we hope, a huge asset for the people of Cardiff.”

Proposals for the food hall are as follows:

⦁ 600 covers across two floors, with spacious seating areas

⦁ 12 independent street food traders, showcasing a diverse range of cuisines

⦁ Concept restaurants, combining bespoke dining areas with menus tailored to the food hall

⦁ Event Spaces, for private dining, celebrations, workshops, pop-ups, meetings, in stunning unique spaces

⦁ Wedding Venue, an alternative wedding celebration and private event space in the centre of Cardiff

Loft Co is working on the project alongside Mansford, the owners of Castle Quarter; Holmes Property Partners; Tandem Property Management; and EJ Hales.

EJ Hales has also played a part in co-ordinating the acquisition process.

Iconic

Partner of Mansford, Charles H Knight, said: “Since acquiring the iconic and stunning Castle Quarter arcades, we have had a very clear vision as to how to improve the leisure and retail experience for not only the local population but also the significant tourist business attracted to Cardiff.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Loft Co and their food hall operation to the Castle Quarter and are impressed that they share the same vision for the arcades.

“The letting to Loft Co comes off the back of significant recent leasing activity at Castle Quarter with leisure occupiers including Gin and Juice, Barkers Tea, Pasture, Parallel, Maison De Boeuf, The Welsh House and Temple bar all trading successfully and strengthening this location as the prime food and beverage location in Cardiff’.”


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11 Comments
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Stephanie Ferguson
Stephanie Ferguson
22 days ago

Sounds horrendous. Poor Castle Arcade.

Vincent
Vincent
21 days ago

It’s not Castle Arcade. This is in the old Emporium nightclub above High Street Arcade which has sat empty for years. This development will be a real boost for the arcades.

Jones
Jones
22 days ago

Looks like Rubbish. Destroying heritage arcade for a couple expensive spaghetti restaurants. No thank you.

Susan harvey
Susan harvey
21 days ago
Reply to  Jones

I agree . They are trying to do the same thing in the iconic Cardiff indoor market taking stalls away from long standing stall holders and traditions that have stood within the market for years and are many local stalls holders livelihood. We are renowned for our beautiful arcades which are photographed around the country . Leave them alone . The problem is Cardiff city council do what they want to do …they are known for not consultating with the public in anything that they want to steam Thier way through. Years ago not many people know ..but they tried… Read more »

Vincent
Vincent
21 days ago
Reply to  Susan harvey

High Street Arcade is half empty. You are contributing to its decline.

Welshman28
Welshman28
21 days ago

Wow fantastic idea , freedom of choice for everyone . These sorts of food hall are major hits in many cites now . First started in cities in Asia for people and restaurants to really play to everyone with their themes of food. America has many too in cites try New York the choice is brilliant , Orlando , Miami and Tampa huge success. Please keep the decor and building as it is to retain Cardiff.

Susan harvey
Susan harvey
21 days ago
Reply to  Welshman28

No no no no no !!!!!

Rob
Rob
21 days ago
Reply to  Susan harvey

If you don’t like it then don’t go there!!

Vincent
Vincent
21 days ago
Reply to  Welshman28

Food halls are a real asset as they allow groups with different tastes and budgets to eat together without the compromises of formal dining. One thing they could do to improve on Newport and Barry is offer a choice of ways to order. Using the app to order to the table is good but there could also be order points with pagers to collect the meal when ready which is common in other food halls. Delivery to the table could include a small service charge.

David
David
21 days ago

Granted it’s not clear from the article, but assuming this relates to the planning application that’s been in for months, this doesn’t even really affect the arcade, it’s an old nightclub space that’s been empty for years in the crook of the High St and Duke St Arcades, so people can probably stop the panicking.

Simon Adams
Simon Adams
21 days ago

Can’t imagine why the majority of comments on here are so negative, this has been planned for several years and it’s great to see a company taking it forward.

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