Chapman Taylor Unveils Plans for New Public Space in St David’s, Cardiff
Chapman Taylor has designed a new community hub ‘City Square’ in St David’s, Cardiff. This follows the purchase of the former Debenhams store by Landsec in 2023, aiming to convert the site into a new, inclusive, family-friendly public square designed to be a vibrant community space.
The Vision
The redevelopment plan includes demolishing the existing department store to create a central park, offering a refreshing green space in the city’s heart. This new destination is envisioned to serve the community and visitors, promoting a sense of belonging and enhancing the overall urban experience. Inspired by Wales’s unique landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities, the design will incorporate elements of art, literature, and poetry, celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage.
Design Highlights
- Food and Beverage Units: Two large F&B units and seven smaller kiosks, with external seating and space for F&B vans and carts, aligning with St David’s Centre’s broader strategy.
- Leisure Box: A leisure facility overlooking the square.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Improved entrance to St David’s 1, better integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Art and Play Areas: Opportunities for local artwork, murals, diverse play areas, and green spaces to encourage socialising and relaxation.
Sustainability and Social Value
Our design emphasises sustainability, reusing existing structures where possible and incorporating green infrastructure such as rain gardens, vertical greenery, and green roofs. The space is designed to be flexible, with durable elements that are easy to maintain, disassemble, and reuse.
The project aims to provide educational opportunities about nature and sustainability, fostering a connection with the environment. The inclusive design promotes active use of the square, reactivating an urban space that is currently underutilized. Community engagement throughout the design process is prioritised to ensure a sense of ownership and identity.
The Vision
The redevelopment plan includes demolishing the existing department store to create a public square, offering a refreshing green space in the city’s heart. This new destination is envisioned to serve the community and visitors, promoting a sense of belonging and enhancing the overall urban experience. Inspired by Wales’s unique landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities, the design references art, literature, and the Welsh language elements, celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage.
Design Highlights
- Food and Beverage Units: Two large F&B units and seven smaller kiosks, with external seating and space for F&B vans and carts, aligning with St David’s Centre’s broader strategy.
- Leisure Box: A leisure facility overlooking the square.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Improved entrance to St David’s 1, better integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Art and Play Areas: Opportunities for local artwork, murals, diverse play areas, and green spaces to encourage socialising and relaxation.
Sustainability and Social Value
Our design emphasises sustainability, reusing existing structures where possible and incorporating green infrastructure such as rain gardens, vertical greenery, and green roofs. The space is designed to be flexible, with durable elements that are easy to maintain, disassemble, and reuse.
The project aims to provide educational opportunities about nature and sustainability, fostering a connection with the environment. The inclusive design promotes active use of the square, reactivating an urban space that is currently underutilised. Community engagement has played an essential role in the design process and will continue to be prioritised to ensure a long-lasting sense of ownership and identity.
Loretta Collins, Associate Director, Chapman Taylor, commented, "Engagement with local residents has been integral in transforming a disused urban environment into a new public space for the Cardiff community. Landscaped areas, native trees, and engaging play spaces provide an inclusive, family-friendly retreat at the heart of the city and a destination representative of Cardiff’s vibrant community and culture."
#Placemaking #Renovation #AssetTransformation #UrbanRegeneration