Landsec has secured planning permission to convert a former Debenhams into a 9,500 sq m park in Cardiff’s city centre – equivalent to almost one and a half football pitches.
Cardiff City Council granted planning permission following a public consultation with more than 5,000 residents, of which 75% said access to green spaces should be a priority for the developers.
The £17m investment includes “leisure experiences”, green spaces and “family-friendly environments” in the site of the former Debenhams department store, which closed in 2021 and is currently being demolished.
Bruce Findlay, managing director for retail at Landsec, said: “This approval is a significant milestone in our long-term investment strategy for St David’s. The city square project underscores our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for our visitors which, in turn, provides a robust platform for our brand partners to grow.
“Our plans will transform a former failing department store into a new public space, equivalent to almost one and a half football pitches, which incorporates nature, play and leisure. This will replace the 1970s concrete buildings and provide a compelling all-day destination with new hospitality and leisure experiences for the local community and visitors to Cardiff city centre.”
