Plans for a major new student accommodation led scheme rising up to 25-storeys in the centre of Cardiff have been revealed. Real estate company Topland has begun a pre-planning public consultation on its near 600-bedroom scheme at the site of its existing Friary House building on Greyfriars Road.
The 1960s office scheme, which extends to 45,000 sq ft, is currently around half vacate and includes nightclub Tiger Tiger.
Its proposed development would see a 11-storey tower on the existing Friary House rising to 25-storeys towards the back.
Topland is working with specialist student accommodation developer Colico Living on the project, which as well as providing 399 living units, would have retail space on its ground floor. It said its existing property asset, which it has owned for more than a decade, has reached the end of its life as an office location. The proposed scheme has been designed by ECE Westworks Architects.
William Davies, director of asset management at Topland Group, said:“Topland has been a long term investor in Cardiff and has owned Friary House for over 10 years. The building itself was built in the early 1960s and has now reached the end of its useful life as an office building. It no longer meets the needs of modern office occupiers and the prime office pitch has moved from here.
"As a result we are excited to bring forward these plans for a new scheme that will introduce new life into this city c entre location and add a positive outlook to the streetscape. The introduction of high quality accommodation into such a central location will bring significant benefits to Cardiff.”
Lisa Timberlake, project lead for Colico Living said: “Providing accommodation for nearly 600 students, the proposals will respond to Cardiff’s growing demand for student accommodation. The city-centre location provides students with excellent accommodation and reduces student demand for homes in family neighbourhoods near the city centre. This will help to address rising rent prices and release houses back to family occupation at affordable prices.”
The deadline for comments on the pre-planning application consultation process is April 28th.
Topland sold the adjacent 25-storey Capital Tower office to Trinova Real Estate in a £25m deal in 2018
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