PLANS to construct what would become the tallest building in Wales have been approved for a major development site in Cardiff city centre.
The proposed 50-storey tower will rise to a maximum height of 584ft (178m), significantly exceeding the current Welsh record holder, Swansea’s Meridian Tower, which stands at 351ft (107m).
If completed at its full height, the building would also rank among the tallest structures in the UK outside London, second only to Manchester’s 656ft Deansgate Square South Tower.
The development is planned for Central Square, close to Cardiff Central railway station, the Principality Stadium and the BBC Cymru Wales headquarters. The site sits between Wood Street and Rose Lane and previously secured permission in 2023 for a smaller 35-storey mixed-use tower.
Under the revised plans, the skyscraper will contain 528 apartments along with a range of shared facilities including lounges, dining areas, co-working spaces, a cinema, gym and spa. A separate two-storey pavilion building will also be constructed alongside the main tower.
Planning documents submitted to Cardiff Council by REAP 3 Limited, part of Bluecastle Capital, say the building’s design draws inspiration from nearby architecture in the city centre. The proposals reference the use of light-toned façades similar to those found on several of Cardiff’s civic buildings.
Architects 5Plus said elements of the exterior design will also include subtle references to Welsh Celtic motifs, intended to reflect the country’s cultural identity.
The lower floors of the tower are designed with a series of large arches at street level, with rows of smaller windows extending up the height of the building.
During planning discussions, councillors largely welcomed the proposal. Llandaff councillor Sean Driscoll described the tower as an “exclamation mark on the city skyline”, while planning officer Simon Gilbert compared its visual impact to New York’s famous Flatiron Building.
However, heritage body Cadw raised concerns about how the high-rise structure could affect views from Cardiff Castle and other historic locations. Some councillors acknowledged the concerns but said they did not believe the development would cause unacceptable harm.
The project now moves forward as one of the most ambitious building schemes ever proposed in Wales.
