viewpoint
Published: 10 September, 2007
It feels like I am the only person in the world not going away for a summer holiday this year, having taken mine in the depths of winter. But while our esteemed editor enjoys the sun in Corsica, I caught the train on a rather rainy day to visit Cardiff.
Cardiff certainly has a lot to offer. Both the city centre and Cardiff Bay have undergone massive regeneration in a bid to make the Welsh capital a great place to spend a whole day.
Works have now started on site for the development of St David's 2, and the plans look like the ideal solution for a city which has historically suffered from a poor evening trade and 'in and out' shoppers, who prefer to grab what they need and go home.
Wales' first John Lewis store, 100 brand new stores, 21 catering units, new city centre apartments and affordable homes, as well as the redevelopment of The Hayes area, which will have a focus on high quality shopping, living and eating in the heart of the city, will have a major impact on dwelltime and the evening economy. The St David's Partnership's (Land Securities and Capital Shopping Centres) plans to make the city an entertaining place for families and aspirations to make Cardiff a European capital city certainly don't seem to be at all far-fetched.
St David's 2 is the final piece in the revamp jigsaw, with Queens Street having been updated a year ago and Cardiff Bay seeing a lot of regeneration. St David's 2 has also been a catalyst for Cardiff International Sports Village, currently under construction.
At Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, three new restaurant lettings have been announced. Strada, Café Rouge and GARÇON! - an upmarket, locally owned French Bistro - have all taken units at the waterfront scheme, which already boasts more than 20 restaurants, cafés and bars.
The proximity of all Cardiff's main attractions and a good public transport network make the city a pleasure to spend time in. Certainly by 2009, when St David's 2 is open for business, Cardiff will be a city to reckon with.
Claire Elliott, Features Editor
