Proposals revealed for two new visitor attractions at Cardiff Bay

Ted Peskett, local democracy reorter

Proposals for two new visitor attractions at Cardiff Bay, including floating outdoor swimming pools and a 90-metre-high viewing platform have been revealed.

The proposal for the outdoor swimming pools, put forward by Finnish company Nordic Urban, includes a sauna facility and would be located at the Mount Stuart Graving Docks near Techniquest.

The second proposal by Skyview is to build a 90-metre-high balloon ride with a rotating viewing platform on unused land close to the Red Dragon Centre.

Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for investment and development, Cllr Russell Goodway, said: “This administration has been clear from the outset about our commitment to rejuvenate Cardiff Bay.

“It’s our intention to transform this historic part of Cardiff into a leading UK destination for leisure, culture and tourism, increasing visitors and, just as importantly, creating more jobs and opportunities for local people.

“Both developments will be privately funded and the council’s only contribution is to make the land available.”

Vision

The council’s future vision for Cardiff Bay was presented to potential investors at the real estate market event MIPIM 2021, where discussions with both Nordic Urban and Skyview began.

Two of the three docks that constitute the Graving Docks are being proposed for development by Nordic Urban, with the dock closest to Havannah Street remaining in place for private moorings.

Nordic Urban, which already has similar facilities in Helsinki and New York, is proposing heated and non heated swimming pools as part of their development.

The sauna, along with wellbeing spaces, changing facilities and a restaurant and bar, would be in a new building located between the two docks proposed for the pools.

Skyview’s proposed viewing platform would give panoramic views of the city and the waterfront of up to 20 miles.

Councillors will discuss both proposals at a public meeting of Cardiff Council’s Economic and Culture Scrutiny Committee at 5pm on Monday, December 12.

Elected members will examine the proposals to understand the impact on the regeneration of Cardiff Bay and Cardiff more widely, and whether there are any risks or financial implications for the council.

The proposals will then be discussed at a Cardiff Council cabinet meeting on December 15.