The latest proposals for redeveloping a historic section of Cardiff city centre reveal plans for a striking red-brick 11-storey tower block.
Blueprints to transform the former Howells department store on St Mary Street into flats, offices, and dining establishments were first unveiled in 2023.
Certain elements of the development, including restoring the 200 year old Bethany Chapel, have already received approval, though final phases await the green light.
Fresh documentation detailing the project's design illustrates how the proposed 11-storey structure for the site's centre might appear.
Cardiff Civic Society raised objections to the proposals early in 2025, arguing the suggested new building would "dwarf the adjacent listed buildings", reports .
Howells boasts a heritage on Cardiff's high street dating back to the 1860s, before its closure in 2023.
The developers. Thackeray, aim to preserve the Grade II isted store and other period buildings forming the site's footprint.
Nevertheless, other structures at the centre which developers consider to "make no or limited contribution to the special character" of the location face demolition.
This would create space for a fresh public square and the new 11-storey building containing 105 flats. Cardiff Civic Society's objection letter to the council added: "This is a damaging, inappropriate, and insensitive proposal that will severely impair the historic fabric of one of the city's focal points – one tourists and other visitors view and admire.
"The tower will be an eyesore when viewed from numerous points, including Cardiff Castle, St Mary Street, and the medieval St John's Church.
"Statutory protections exist to protect important historic areas of the city from such a scheme.
"This proposal should be turned down, as extremely important listed buildings and their settings will be irrevocably harmed."
A design and access document from the developers indicates the planned new structures and public spaces aim to maintain and strengthen the heritage and character of the locality.
The document states the masterplan aims to preserve "the most significant built forms in their entirety" including the St Mary Street building, the Percy Thomas corner building, and the old chapel and Sunday school.
The Trinity Street elevation, largely being preserved, will accommodate 89 new flats.
Proposals for the redeveloped location also reveal it will feature more than 4,000sqm of commercial space and a new hotel with 114 rooms
