The site of one of Cardiff's most beloved murals is set to become part of a huge new apartment block development.
There was outrage recently when the 'My City, My Shirt' mural - dubbed "the Mona Lisa of Butetown " - was painted over to be replaced by an advert for McDonald's, although the fast-food chain soon apologised and ordered it to be repainted. You can read more about that here.
But the site on James Street is set to be transformed further as part of a project to redevelop the historic Grade II listed Baltic House on Mount Stuart Square and build 60 new apartments.
The proposals were first put to Cardiff Council in April 2021, with amended plans from RBL Partnership Ltd submitted earlier in January.
If approved, they will see Baltic House converted from offices to apartments and given a one-storey rooftop extension, while a new-build extension will also be built to the building's rear, fronting James Street.
The redeveloped early 20th Century building will house 29 apartments, while the extension will comprise of 31. These apartments will range in size, with 41 one-beds, 17 two-beds and two three-beds planned.
With the roof-level extension, Baltic House will be seven storeys in total, including lower ground and ground level, while the new extension will be six storeys.
The proposals include cycle storage and a locker room on the ground floor of the development, as well as two enclosed bin stores. There are also plans for eight parking spaces outside the apartment block, with two of these for residents with reduced mobility.
Concerns were raised by local residents and business owners when the plans were first submitted to the council, with some questioning the impact that the development would have on surrounding buildings.
Brian Gamble, Director of Operations at the Coal Exchange hotel - which is just metres from the site - said the proposed build would "undoubtedly" affect the amount of daylight reaching the hotel's rooms and entrance.
He wrote "The hotel rooms will be greatly impacted and it will make those bedrooms significantly darker. The other problem is that many of our weddings which take place at the hotel will be impacted by the reduction of light for photographic opportunities.
"This will reduce the number of these types of events that we currently do. "
A resident of neighbouring Marine House added: "I am a bit confused how you can build a six-storey building in front of another building's balconies and outside space.
"It's double the size of Marine House and you will be impeding on numerous residents right to light. We have South facing balconies that now will be facing a six story brick wall.
"I am not opposed to renovating Baltic House, but the new six-storey extension just seems like it will stick out like a sore thumb and will be totally out of place compared to everything else in Mount Stuart Square and James Street."
After the 'My City, My Shirt' mural was painted over, plans are now being made for a new artwork - although it is not yet clear whether this will again be on the side of Mischief's bar and cafe on James Street or in a new location. You can read more about the mural and the best street art in Cardiff here.
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