One of Cardiff's most popular bars and music venues has spoken out amid plans to close it down and redevelop the site into a 35-storey apartment block. Developers want to demolish Harlech Court, on Bute Terrace - the home of Porter's bar - to build what would be the tallest building in Wales.
Redevelopment plans were initially announced in March 2021, to fierce opposition. The Draycott Group bought the building in May 2018, and as part of the plans is now planning to knock it down and build 350 apartments on the site. The development would see Porter's decade-long lease at the site come to an end in October 2022.
The bar had previously called for help from Cardiff council in finding a new building and said Draycott had been a “decent and supportive” landlord. There had been uncertainty about the future of the popular city centre bar which is known for its live music events as well as comedy events. Actor and composer Lin Manuel Miranda was spotted having a great night there in 2018. However, owners have now announced they have found a new building for Porters, should a licence be granted. They have started a huge fundraising campaign in the hopes to raise £75,000 to renovate the new site.
