Plans to transform two historic buildings in Cardiff as part of a major new sixth form college development could be given the go-ahead this week. The proposal, which would see the Merchant Place and Corys buildings in Butetown restored and the erection of a new eight-storey building, would provide a permanent new home for Cardiff Sixth Form College.
Both Merchant Place and Corys, dating back to 1881 and 1889 respectively, have been empty for more than two decades. If planning permission is given to develop the site, both buildings will become the teaching space of the new sixth form development. A vacant plot on Pierhead Street has been proposed as the boarding accommodation for the sixth form college. However, a separate planning application is yet to be submitted for this.
The work on Merchant Place will involve the demolition of a two-storey annexe to the rear of the building. Some objections have been made to the development, with one comment from the Victorian Society expressing concern over the potential impact on the historic character of the area.
