Central Square reached another milestone today as the BBC and Rightacres signed contracts to take the design of a landmark 150,000 square-foot project to the next stage.
Designed by world-famous architects Foster + Partners, the new headquarters will consolidate BBC Wales operations in Llandaff into a single site.
Central Square was selected as the preferred development in June this year following a competitive tender process. Since then Rightacres has progressed the development of the design working closely with the BBC Workplace team.
Rightacres chief executive, Paul McCarthy, said: “We are delighted that the BBC recognised the potential of this important city centre opportunity and their decision to choose Central Square as their preferred site has generated real momentum for the project.
“Subject to obtaining planning, we are hopeful the new BBC Wales HQ will be the centrepiece of the development and the planning application will signal another major milestone in delivering the vision for Central Square.
“As well as creating a vibrant new part of Cardiff, the overall plans will act as an enormous boost to the economy, creating the opportunity for thousands of new jobs and signaling a £500m investment in the local area”.
Commenting on the BBC’s decision to locate their Wales headquarters at Central Square, BBC Wales’ director, Rhodri Talfan Davies, said: “This is another important milestone as we progress our plans to relocate to Central Square. Our base at Llandaff has served us well, but the technology there is coming to the end of its useful life and the new centre will open an exciting new chapter for BBC Wales. We are delighted with the progress achieved to date, and we look forward to announcing further details next year.”
Central Square, a development led by Rightacres Property, will comprise nearly one million square feet of development including 700,000 square feet of offices, private residential space, retail space and a hotel. The development will also include a new modern transport hub incorporating a new bus station in a suitable location.
Speaking about the significance of the project, City of Cardiff leader, Phil Bale said: “Subject to planning, the BBC’s decision to locate their new headquarters at Central Square is hugely important for Cardiff and underlines our commitment to support world class architecture and sustainable design. It will attract further investment into the wider area and act as a catalyst for the local economy and the community.”
The Central Square project is expected to generate 500 construction jobs and will be one of the largest urban regeneration schemes undertaken in Wales. Overall, it is estimated by Rightacres nearly 10,000 people will be working there once the whole development is complete.
Carole-Anne Davies, chief executive of the Design Commission for Wales, said: “The Design Commission for Wales is supportive of the proposals for the new BBC headquarters building at the heart of the city. The approach by Foster + Partners responds to the requirements of the client whilst making a positive contribution to the city as whole, through very high-quality design. The approach aims to allow engagement with the public, contributing to life on the square as well as delivering excellent broadcast facilities.”
Subject to approval, work will start on the new headquarters in 2015, with completion scheduled for 2017. The BBC is expected to occupy the building during 2018.
Commenting on the design, Gerard Evenden, senior executive partner at Foster + Partners, said: “This building is underpinned by sustainable, cutting-edge design techniques and will provide a first class working environment for BBC Wales staff. The architectural approach draws inspiration from the organisation and this unique location, as well as the area’s creative heritage and grand civic centre. Our aim is to create a building that the BBC and Cardiff can be proud of.”
Alan Bainbridge, property director, BBC Workplace, said: “The new city centre location will put the BBC in the heart of Cardiff, bringing us closer to our audiences. The new building has been designed to meet the highest standards of environmental sustainability, ensuring low energy usage and incorporating industry leading materials with a commitment to achieve BREEAM Outstanding.”
