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Wales Online
Wales Online
Thomas Deacon

Luxury flats set to be built on site of historic Cardiff Bay nightclub

Luxury boutique flats are set to be built on the site of a historic Cardiff Bay building.

Currently under construction on the site of the legendary Casablanca Club, developers say the apartment block will be the city's first boutique, all-rental residential development.

The former club was one of the capital's most popular, and occasionally notorious, nightclubs and live music venues of the 1970s and 1980s.

After being knocked down almost 20 years ago, work is now underway to build 20 apartments on the site.

Made up of one and two-bedroom apartments, alongside a luxury penthouse and private car parking, the new Casablanca Building is set to be ready in autumn 2021.

The building will include sixteen apartments with two double bedrooms and two bathrooms, one ensuite. There will also be four large one-bedroom apartments.

This is what the inside will look like (MGY Estate Agents)

They'll all feature high ceilings and large windows, and will include contemporary, fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms. All will have built-in wardrobes and blinds.

Each apartment will be offered for rental unfurnished.

It's a marked change compared to the former building that stood on the same spot. From 1965, the Casablanca was a central space to congregate and share a love of music in Tiger Bay.

It drew famous artists from all over to perform, including Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Ruffin and Spandau Ballet, as well as legendary Welsh artists such as Geraint Jarman and his band Y Cynganeddwyr. Owing to its prominence in the lives of Tiger Bay residents, the venue still holds a place in the heart of the community.

The Casablanca Club in November, 1989 (WalesOnline)
The club pictured on May 31, 1996, shortly before its demolition (Mirrorpix)

Originally the Bethel Chapel, the original Casablanca operated from the late 1960s until the early 1990s and was eventually demolished in 1996.

The current owner has used an older image of the former building to create a wallpaper for a feature wall in the lobby and he has also recreated the sign as the main signage for the building.

Every apartment will have a separate utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer, while eight apartments have private balconies.

Some of the apartments will be let on a commercial lease for professional serviced apartments.

One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments will be on offer (MGY Estate Agents)

The remaining 15 apartments will be let via estate agents MGY and they will be looking to the "higher end" of rental pricing when marketing commences in June, which is when the show apartment will be ready.

Some of the apartments will also be offered with a parking space at an additional rental each month.

A retail unit will take up the ground floor and the owner is in talks with a yoga instructor who will be able to host a variety of fitness and yoga classes.

You can find out more and register interest here.

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