A meeting organised by AWRA took place on May 10th with the developers and Cardiff Council about the arena and hotel development.
During the meeting, the developers presented us with updates around their proposed changes and opportunities were given for initial Q and As. This was the first face-to-face meeting held between developers and the local community.
There will be a follow up meeting on Wednesday 7th June with an opportunity to ask questions.
In attendance were: Atlantic Wharf Residents Association (AWRA) members and local residents – Cardiff Council – Live Nation – Robertson.
The presentation covered 5 key areas:
• Revised planning applications.
• The proposed timetable.
• Working with the local community.
• Transport infrastructure.
• Communication.
1. Revised planning application:
Over the past 12 months the developers have been wrestling with inflation and increasing costs.
The dimensions of the arena have been reduced (shorter, narrower, lower) but will continue to accommodate the 15200 seater arena model, not the 18000 assumed number by local residents.
There are going to be ‘full structural design’ changes to the overall volume together with changes in the use of materials, a move away from the black cladding to materials that “better reflect the local area”.
There will be positive changes to the acoustic structure, energy and other services required to run the arena. Details will be in the amended plans due to go into CC Planning.
Significant changes to the South and East facades including a reduction in the size of the screen.
Developers suggest greater opportunities for green space and better sustainability.
Whole development being moving 4m further South, which will include relocating the hotel by 4m and retaining the trees behind Halliard Court.
The Travelodge will NOT change in size but the design will be updated to reflect the current buildings in the immediate area. A planning application will be submitted in July 23 for anticipated approval in November, with work starting on site in April 2024.
2. Timetable for the arena / hotel:
- July 23 – revised plans to be submitted to Cardiff Council for approval in November.
- Autumn 23 – pre-enabling works are scheduled to start.
- Spring 24 – work on site is due to start
- Sept 26 – Arena to open.
3. Community:
Developers are working on the three pillars of:
· Employment
· Education
· Training
The developers wish to be ‘good neighbours’. They intend to provide community benefits in the form of:
• An 8 year community programme
• Assistance for homelessness in the area.
• Support for young people in care, older people, the environment, cultural inclusiveness and support for the local music scene.
4. Transport infrastructure:
This is the responsibility of Cardiff Council. There will be significant changes to the road infrastructure during building works.
· November 23: start of pre enabling works – no road closures.
· Early 2024 – Closure of Schooner Way
· Autumn 2024 – Commencement of the arena and hotel structure with closure of Hemmingway Rd.
· Completion of arena / hotel Autumn 2026. Residents will be required to access and leave Atlantic Wharf via Tyndall St.
There are no current tangible plans to open Schooner Way to the South until decision on relocating County Hall has been made. Even with plans post arena opening there will be a considerable overlap between Schooner Way closing and reopening.
Current plans: hotel access via Schooner Way to the north, access to County Hall and Arena via the South i.e. truncated Hemmingway Rd.
Cardiff Council are reviewing Lloyd George Ave and considering changes to move walkers and cyclists away from apartments towards the new TFW tram line.
Developers will ensure that no construction parking will be permitted on Schooner Way or neighbouring streets. This will be written into contractors ‘Considerate Constructors Scheme’ agreements .
5. Communication:
· The developers will update their website and Q and A page.
· They will be sending out regular newsletters highlighting timetable and details of works.
· AWRA are keen to keep talking with the developers and help disseminate information and facilitate meetings.
Conclusion
The audience left the meeting feeling reassured that the developers are at last discussing the development with the local community. The community have a number of concerns that require a response, therefore, AWRA are coordinating a list of questions for the developers and Cardiff Council to address at our next meeting on June 7th.
The areas requiring more clarity include:
• traffic management that includes road closures and parking in the area
• public transport infrastructure,
• indiscriminate noise and disturbance during construction and post opening,
• measures to control anti-social behaviour
• changes to the plans that involve public open spaces, environment and design.
• data and information around the claimed community benefits to the local community.
Next meeting – Wednesday June 7th
We hope that you can attend the next meeting, but either way if you have any questions for the developers please send them to contact@awra.wales and we will add them to our list.
We plan to send the questions by Wednesday 24th May which will give the developers plenty of notice to bring answers to the meeting.
