The refurbishment work in Cardiff Bay is to restart after Covid-19 stopped work.
Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, the owner of Mermaid Quay, has announced work on Cardiff Bay’s dining and leisure destination is due to restart in early September.
Planning for the comprehensive package of public realm works was granted in 2018 and the initial phases, including redecoration, new wall finishes and signage, were completed in 2019. However, the remaining works were halted due to Covid-19.
Now the refurbishment of the 150,000 sq ft centre, which has welcomed over 100 million visitors since it opened in 1999, is due to resume.
The improvement works will include the creation of a new landscaped public space in Tacoma Square, right at the heart of Mermaid Quay overlooking Cardiff Bay. This will provide a new location for the centre’s planned programme of events and entertainment, as well as an area where people can sit and enjoy the waterfront.
The plans also include exciting new lighting and cladding to the bridge that spans Bute Street.
The works are scheduled to be completed just before Easter 2022.
Schroder says the refurbishment will transform the appearance of Mermaid Quay, creating a contemporary dockside feel in keeping with its waterfront location and ensuring that the centre retains its status as one of the most popular leisure locations in Wales.
Harry Pickering, SREF’s Head of UK Retail, commented: “This is a very exciting time for Mermaid Quay. As Covid-19 restrictions ease we have started to see a strong rise in visitors returning to the centre and we are working closely with our retailers and leisure operators to ensure their reopening runs as smoothly as possible.
“The centre has always been the ‘jewel in the crown’ in The Bay, but if we are to continue to be attractive to our customers, it’s important that it continues to evolve. The refurbishment work to Mermaid Quay outlines SREF’s commitment to the Cardiff Bay area and the revamp will enliven the customer experience and create superb new public spaces to match the scheme’s beautiful waterfront setting. We can’t wait to get started.”
