On January 19, 2021, the much-anticipated details for the regeneration of a brownfield site in Cardiff, Wales were unveiled by developer Vastint UK as a public engagement and feedback period began.
Members of the public have been invited to share their views on the masterplan proposals for a transformative, mixed-use project which aims to repurpose, renew and reconnect (the highly-successful “3Re Strategy” for revitalization) the important property. It will reconnect Cardiff’s city center to the bay along the banks of the River Taff.
The Embankment at Dumballs Road will deliver the sustainable redevelopment of a key strategic, 40-acre site, creating up to 2500 new homes alongside 54,000 square meters of business space as well as opportunities for leisure, hospitality and retail users, on what is currently under-utilized, low-quality industrial space.
The proposal will open up access to the riverside reconnecting the city to the bay with an uninterrupted pathway and provide much needed connections between Grangetown and Butetown through inclusion of a new cycle and footbridge across the River Taff.
The plans also include considerable open space with a new riverside park and water taxi stop that will create additional enjoyable routes along the River.
As recently reported, Vastint UK has given a pre-commitment to the Council for a contribution of 12.5% affordable housing to aid the Council’s efforts to meet its housing targets.
Additional affordable housing may be secured as part of the planning application process and the council has the opportunity to acquire an additional 100 units as the development is delivered.
Andrew Cobden, Managing Director of Vastint UK, said, “Cardiff has a beautiful river running through its centre but access to it has been limited for many years. We are excited to bring forward proposals that will breathe new life into the riverfront by opening up access through a new riverside park and provide opportunities for new jobs and housing.”
“We have worked closely with Cardiff Council, our architects, landscape team and planners to create a vision that we hope will transform this underused area of Cardiff into a thriving new district for the city and its residents,” he added. “We welcome feedback from the public so we can ensure this development meets the needs of the local community.”
Cardiff Council has expressed its support for the project as the land has remained largely derelict for the last 30 years, stating it is a “significant investment” and, in this form, a “real breakthrough” for the city.
The council agreed to sell 8.5 acres of land off Dumballs Road to Vastint UK in September 2020, so that this masterplan may be brought forward.
The Embankment site is Vastint UK’s third major development, alongside Aire Park in Leeds and Sugar House Island in London.
The developer aims to create mixed-use neighborhoods that balance living, working and leisure spaces that complement and add long-term value to local communities.
The Embankment public consultation will run until February 19, 2021, and an outline planning application is due to be submitted in early 2021.
All images courtesy of Vastint UK.