Highlights:
- 400-unit co-living scheme to be delivered within a landmark Cardiff tower
- Regeneration of a prominent, long-standing vacant site in the heart of Cardiff city centre
- Scheme to deliver new homes alongside shared amenities and active ground floor uses
- Further strengthens Watkin Jones’ presence in the city, following its Central Quay development, Tai Afon
Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, is pleased to announce that the Group has received a resolution to grant planning permission for its 400-unit co-living scheme at Custom House Street, Cardiff.
The development will deliver the regeneration of a long-standing vacant site in a highly prominent city centre location, close to Cardiff Central Station and St David’s Shopping Centre, contributing a new landmark building in the city skyline.
The scheme will deliver 400 fully furnished co-living studios alongside a wide range of shared amenities, including communal kitchens and dining, lounges, fitness facilities and landscaped communal areas. Publicly accessible co-working spaces at ground floor level uses will increase activity at street level, contributing to the vibrant city centre environment.
Cardiff continues to experience strong demand for high-quality rental accommodation, particularly from young professionals, with a clear shortage of city centre homes suited to smaller households. The scheme responds directly to this demand, providing professionally managed living while helping retain graduates and young professionals in the city, supporting Cardiff’s continued growth as a leading business and education hub.
In addition to delivering new homes, the development will enhance the surrounding environment through public realm improvements, supporting local businesses and bringing further activity and spend into the city centre.
Subject to completion of a Section 106 agreement, formal planning permission is expected in late summer. The scheme builds on Watkin Jones’ existing presence in the city, with phase one of its Central Quay development, Tai Afon, practically completing last month.
Iain Smith, Planning Director at Watkin Jones said:
“Bringing this co-living scheme forward marks an important step for a prominent site in the heart of Cardiff that has been vacant for a number of years.
“It reflects the strength of demand we continue to see for high-quality, professionally managed rental housing, and how our pipeline is evolving to meet changing living preferences. Custom House will provide much-needed city centre living for Cardiff, while also making a significant contribution to the ongoing regeneration and wider economic activity in the city centre.”
--Ends--