Atlantic Wharf Butetown, Cardiff

• Hybrid planning application for the arena, hotel, and wider Atlantic Wharf masterplan submitted in November 2021.
• Planning decision expected in spring 2022, with the arena opening in 2025.
• Up to 2,000 jobs will be created during construction.
• The 30-acre masterplan site includes arena, commercial and office space, cultural centre, two hotels, housing, public square and transport hub.

The proposed design is a single tier arena to intensify the atmosphere for spectators and performers. Seating and floor space can adapt to audience sizes anywhere between 3,500 and 17,000, and a variety of events from sports to family shows as well as live music and entertainment. The design takes in key considerations including protecting sunlight and privacy for neighbouring properties, and maximising use of solar energy among other sustainability measures. World-class acoustics will guarantee the ultimate sound experience while noise levels are reduced to maintain a peaceful environment outside the arena.

Covid restrictions meant we were unable to hold in-person public consultations initially. Throughout July 2021 we held a series of well-publicised online consultations covering the approach to the masterplan, the Phase 1 arena development, venue management and plans for sustainable transport. When restrictions eased, the consortium team held several open consultations on-site at Atlantic Wharf to give locals the opportunity to ask questions on the ambitious proposals ahead of the Pre-Application Consultation. The submitted planning application shows a reduction in the scale of the masterplan and its overall building density, reflecting comments raised during consultations.