Acting on behalf of Emlyn Estates, Rawlins and Madley have sold a portfolio of properties comprising Emlyn House, 5 and 6 Dock Chambers and Seaway House, Bute Street, Cardiff to the Internal Society for Krishna Consciousness Ltd (ISKCON). Emlyn House was previously home to the Butetown History and Arts Centre who have now relocated to alternative premises and comprises a three storey building totalling approximately 4,900 sq ft plus basement located in the heart of Cardiff Bay.
5 and 6 Dock Chambers and Seaway House are let to a Day Nursery who will continue to operate their successful business under the terms of their existing lease.
ISKCON have purchased Emlyn House to create a regional centre for their organisation and intend to develop the property for the expansion of ISKCON to provide greater learning and cultural facilities together with the creation of a café. The remaining part of the portfolio they have purchased for investment purposes.
Mandy Davies, Director of Emlyn Estates, commented “My fellow Directors and I are delighted that ISKCON have purchased our buildings in Bute Street, Cardiff. These elegant, and historic buildings have been in our family since our grandfather purchased them as offices for his shipping business in the 1920s. Following his death and throughout the downtrodden years of Cardiff Docks our father determinedly clung on and cared for them, firmly believing that these buildings, like many others in Cardiff Bay, are an important and intrinsic part of Cardiff’s history. ISKCON will now take the buildings to the next stage of their existence and I know that they, like us, will appreciate and care for them.”
Commenting on behalf of ISKCON, Tarakanatha Prabhu says “The property will become our charity headquarters for Wales. The activities in the building will be for holistic purposes taking care of the body, mind and soul. With a vegan and vegetarian café, different yogas, educational lifestyle workshops and seminars to promote health and well-being in the community, as well as spiritual guidance, Ty Krishna Cymru will be open to everyone.”
Paul Madley, acting for the vendors, reports “My clients are delighted to have concluded the sale to ISKCON and are pleased that the Society will develop Emlyn House to expand their organisation. We received strong interest from a number of parties but it was clear from the outset that ISKCON had identified Emlyn House as a suitable opportunity for their new headquarters. The portfolio was sold for in excess of £1,000,000.”