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What’s New in Cardiff for 2023
1 March 2023
As businesses across the city bounce back following the Covid-19 pandemic, let us look ahead at what is either in development or is opening in 2023 and beyond.
Exciting New Developments
Major developments across the city, announced by Cardiff Council in 2022, are progressing including;
- Cardiff Bay: Red Dragon Centre/County Hall to be replaced by mixed development to include 17K seater Arena, hotel(s) Expected opening date for Cardiff Arena is 2026.
- Two key outdoor attractions seeking approval for Cardiff Bay location.
- Revival of canal network in Churchill Way to create new green open space is well under way.
- International Sports Village – new activities incl velodrome, adventure attraction, loop circuit for cycling/running/roller blades, bicycle shop, zip wire etc Velodrome opening 2023 relocated from Maindy. Tis strengthens the offer alongside Cardiff International White Water rafting centre and Ice Arena.
- Capital Quarter to be completed in 2023
- Phase 1 & 2 of the Cardiff Cross Rail project – proposed new tram/rail connections between the city centre and Cardiff Bay offering quick and easy access to Cardiff’s waterfront destination at Mermaid Quay.
Accreditation
Several venues are investing to meet the demands of future clients. Sustainability and net carbon zero targets is a subject area that more and more businesses are reviewing their business practices but also how they can be more sustainable to enable them to be more competitive in the marketplace.
Membership of MIA
Meet in Cardiff/The Angel Hotel/Cardiff City Stadium/Compass Group/Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre/Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa.
The Coal Exchange Hotel is a new member and AIM accredited.
Green Capital
Cardiff has been ranked one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Cardiff is ranked fourth ahead of London, Belfast, Edinburgh with 37 green spaces, made up of 18 parks, three gardens, five wildlife areas, three playgrounds, three forests and three bodies of water. When comparing against its population it has 5.54 parks per 100,000 people. On nature and wildlife areas Cardiff has the highest percentage per 100,000 head of population the top ten at 1.54. It also scores highly on bodies of water – like the River Taff – also at 1.54.
A study by Drinking Straw analysed the number of parks, gardens, wildlife areas, forests, playgrounds and bodies of water compared to the size of European capital cities to see which have the most green spaces per 100,000 people.
Tree City
Cardiff is the first Welsh city to be named a Tree City of the World in recognition of Cardiff
Council’s Coed Caerdydd tree-planting programme which aims to increase tree canopy cover in the city to 25% by 2030. This is just one small aspect of Cardiff’s One Planet strategy.
The Tree Cities of the world programme, founded by non-profit conservation and education
organisation, the Arbor Day Foundation, aims to create more green spaces in urban areas by recognising cities that do it well.
Accommodation
The newly opened Parador Hotel, a family business, has been receiving great media coverage.
The elegant Spanish-themed hotel has 9 bedrooms and features ornate tiles, majestic headboards and shutters The hotel is adjacent to the family other Cardiff businesses: the excellent restaurant Asador 44 and around the corner from Bar 44, all Spanish-themed and award-winning.
Several developments of serviced apartments are progressing and will be an alternative type of accommodation for those staying in the city. Urban Space and Staybridge Apartments are already offering this type of accommodation.
A new apartotel in Grade 2 listed (1886) Market Chambers, St Mary Street has been granted permission to provide a 52 bedroom aparthotel.
New Attractions and Activities for Groups
Hensol Castle Gin Distillery on the outskirts of Cardiff has expanded its range of tours and tastings for up to 150 people throughout the year. It includes a team building activity and masterclasses.
Boulders climbing centre has opened a second centre in Cardiff at Culverhouse Cross on the western outskirts of the city with easy access to M4. The new climbing gym will contain bouldering walls, training space for team building and a large viewing area and café.
Flight Club social darts bar in St Marys Street with 15 playing areas, 4 bars and a food terrace, cocktails and food.
Roxy Lanes in Queen Street doesn’t just offer bowling but also American pool and ice curling and batting cages.
The newly opened Welsh House restaurant and gin bar on High Street gives ‘a nod to Welsh culture and there is a clear rugby theme and supports Welsh suppliers.
New bars and restaurants: Coppa Club ‘Townhouse’ and Giggling Squid The Hayes
A Welsh food showcase has opened in the Hayes featuring a range of food and drink products all made in Wales.
Popular event space DEPOT Cardiff is moving to larger premises within the city. It bis Cardiff’s biggest independent warehouse events venue. It is relocating to Curran Road offering 30,000 sq ft space increasing the venue’s capacity from 1600 to 2500. The new venue will continue to offer the street food and a ‘speakeasy’ bar but will also offer for the first time a separate space with a smaller capacity providing some flexibility. Due to open June 2023.
DEPOT is expanding in Cardiff. The site of the former Dr Who museum in Cardiff Bay is to be transformed into an all year food court featuring street food kitchens and two bars. It will accommodate up to 1000 covers and include three covered dining areas and open in JUNE 2023. Tiger Yard is to be developed by DEPOT the well established successful company offering unusual venues for events and delegate experiences in the city.
DEPOT are also behind a new all day bar and kitchen ‘Outpost’ which will join other businesses in the Laundry Quarter, Pontcanna. The facility will also offer a first floor space for 16 for private dining or meeting space.
Tours
Cardiff Tasting Tour is back in 2023 offering weekly tour dates plus ad hoc special events through the year. Listen to the new podcast on their website.
Events
- Cardiff Castle events programme includes a series of high profile concerts this year.
- DEPOT Cardiff is expanding their one day festival with a series of concerts at Cardiff Castle.
- 2023 sees the 40th anniversary of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World
- 2023 sees Cardiff chosen to be BBC City of Comedy with performances and workshops for writers.
For further information contact Faye Tanner Commercial Head of Business Events and the Meet in Cardiff team:
@MeetCardiff
#MeetCardiff