The construction of Wales’ tallest building, a 35-storey tower on Wood Street in Cardiff, is set to go ahead. This is after Cardiff City Council approved the proposed project.
The tower will soar to a height of 113 meters (371 feet) surpassing Swansea’s Tower building, currently the tallest in Wales at 107 meters (351 feet). Its ground floor will be designated for commercial use, potentially housing a café or restaurant.
The majority of Cardiff councillors expressed support for the project. They believe it will enhance the appearance of Central Square, where neighbouring structures include BBC Wales’ headquarters and HMRC’s offices. Although some councillors had concerns about the building’s design, Councillor Garry Hunt praised the overall plan. He also raised questions about its architectural aspects.
Similarly, Councillor Emma Reid-Jones questioned whether the tower would provide a desirable living environment for future residents. However, planning officers defended the design, with Simon Gilbert, the council’s head of planning, describing it as “graceful” and “striking,” surpassing many existing tall buildings in the city.
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Concerns and Modifications for the 35-storey tower on Wood Street in Cardiff, Wales’ Tallest Building
Notably, concerns have been raised regarding the tower’s size and its potential impact on the daylight received by nearby buildings. Nevertheless, the developers of Rightacres, who unveiled the project in 2021, have made several modifications to the initial proposal.
The tower’s height has been increased by five storeys, now housing 364 flats, up from the original 330. Additionally, the building has been repositioned half a meter further north.
The development of Wales’ tallest building also includes plans for 484 cycle parking spaces in line with sustainable transportation initiatives. It is worth noting that a separate project, a 42-storey, 132-meter (433-foot) student tower on Customhouse Street, was approved by Cardiff council in 2016 but has not yet been constructed.
