People in Cardiff have had their say on the city's Central Square development, five years on from when the huge project began. Previously home to the dilapidated bus terminal, a 1950s office block, fast-food restaurants and charity shops, the area around Cardiff Central train station has been transformed into a vast square, but it seems not many people in the city are too fond of it at present.
When the idea for Central Square was first conceived, it was intended to be a "new gateway to the capital", as the first thing visitors to the city see as they emerge from Cardiff Central train station. New buildings constructed as part of the development include BBC Wales' headquarters, Cardiff University's School of Journalism and the UK Government Hub.
While there have been some welcome additions to the area, including the statue of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher, which was unveiled outside the government building last year, the space has also made headlines for some of the wrong reasons too. Get the latest news from across Cardiff sent straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletters.
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There was the metal Christmas tree which was compared to scaffolding that was erected in the middle of the square last year, as well as the plans to emblazon a huge Union Jack flag on the side of the UK Government Hub, which were later rejected. Then, of course, there is the bus station that won't be able to be used by passengers until 2023, nearly six years after it was intended to be finished.
Residents have also previously expressed their concerns about the "concrete wasteland", saying it was "unappealing" and "claustrophobic". A Plaid Cymru MS has also said he is "saddened" by the development and claimed that "planning needs to change".
In a tweet, Mabon ap Gwynfor wrote: "Always saddened when seeing the planning vandalism in Cardiff. New soulless buildings with grey concrete everywhere. Hardly any trees planted in wide dull spaces, yet Labour expect farmers to plant trees on food producing land. Planning needs to change. Labour needs to change."
A recent Cardiff Council meeting also saw Lib Dem Councillor Rodney Berman refer to the square as a "cold, hard, hemmed-in concrete jungle". While cabinet members have said that the overall project is not complete and asked for patience, however, it seems that for many people in the capital, this has already run out.
Responding to a post on the CardiffOnline Facebook page, more than 100 people shared their views on the square, with the vast majority of them unimpressed with how the city's 'gateway' currently looks. Among the top comments were remarks that the space was "bleak" and "depressing" while others claimed that they preferred what had been there before the development began.
Gareth Jones said the square was an "absolute eyesore", while Ruth Kriegel described it as "horrible," adding: "It looks awful already." Alex Drennan agreed, saying it was a "horrible place" before adding: "Lovely, sterile and extremely hot with no shade in the summer and like an open valley with three different wind traps in winter."
"This is grim, who is responsible for this mess?," asked Keith Paddock, while Mike Chubb said: "It really is so uninspiring. Gateway to the capital of Wales?" Sarah Dexter added: "It does nothing for Cardiff, it's an embarrassment. Better how it was before, just needed modernising."
Lisa Davies also didn't hold back, describing it as "another bleak and boring public square". She added: "It's devoid of trees or benches (which would be handy for older people, people waiting for delayed trains to come in etc.). Urban planning, does it even exist these days? Does anybody give a toss for citizens who have to use these places (with their total lack of facilities) daily?"
There were some who disagreed, with Mark Morrelli saying the square "looks great". Meanwhile, Kim Judd admitted that there were changes that needed to be made, but accepted it was "an improvement on the smelly bus station".
Others who chose to comment pitched in with their suggestions of what could be put in the square to make it less "bleak and soulless". While ideas were put forward regarding public art, many of the commenters had more basic demands, with greenery and somewhere to sit among their top priorities.
"What a depressing mess," said Kyle McGrath. "A water feature and/or greenery wouldn't have been difficult." Councillor Andrea Gibson also commented, writing: "The Cabinet Member for Development [Cllr Russell Goodway] assures us that there will be some plants at some point," before adding: "It could be used for temporary art installations, just a thought."
Jessica Skye Davies also led calls for seating in the square, writing: "Leaving it out about the bus station (time to let that go, it's been how many years?) why are there no trees or seating? Seriously.
"The station isn't exactly a cosy place to wait for your train and there's only so much space in Pret. Just a vast expanse of featureless concrete (and a ludicrous taxi rank) isn't exactly a warm welcome, nor a fond farewell."
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