Cardiff's tallest tower planned in mixed use project

REAP 3 Limited, a subsidiary of Bluecastle Capital, is preparing to submit a full planning application for a new mixed-use residential development at Central Square in Cardiff city centre. The proposed scheme centres on a 50 storey tower, which would replace an earlier approved 35 storey plan and deliver 528 Build to Rent (BTR) homes, a bike hub, and a wide range of resident-focused amenities.

The site is in the heart of Cardiff’s Central Square regeneration area, adjacent to key transport links and civic infrastructure. It is the final undeveloped plot in a location that has seen significant redevelopment in recent years.

The site currently has full planning permission, granted on 2 May 2024 (ref. 21/02984/MJR), for a 35 storey mixed-use development designed by Scott Brownrigg for Rightacres Property Company. The approved scheme included commercial space at ground and mezzanine levels for retail, office, and leisure use. Above these levels, residential accommodation was permitted.

The scheme also featured a pavilion building, improvements to public realm space, significant cycle parking, and associated infrastructure works necessary for the delivery of Central Square Plots 4 and 5.

Although the consented development confirmed the suitability of a tall, mixed-use tower at this city centre location, Bluecastle Capital has identified several opportunities to enhance the project. These include optimising the building’s height and architectural character to emphasise its landmark status, improving the overall energy performance, and refining the pavilion design while increasing the surrounding public space to create a more engaging city destination.

The new proposal features a 50-storey tower with a clear architectural structure comprising a base, middle, and top. It maintains a mixed-use approach, with the residential tower complemented by a two-storey pavilion designed for flexible non-residential uses. The development prioritises an active and engaging street-level presence, with the building and pavilion together intended to form a vibrant public space that strengthens pedestrian routes toward nearby locations, including the Principality Stadium.

The scheme will deliver 528 build-to-rent homes, alongside a broad suite of amenities designed to enhance quality of life and promote wellbeing. A first-floor level will be dedicated to shared social spaces, including a residents' lounge and club room that will house entertainment suites, kitchens, dining areas, and spaces for informal gatherings.

The second floor will offer high-quality co-working facilities, including meeting rooms, private call booths, and open-plan desks. A well-equipped gym and fitness studio will be included, and a spa is planned for the basement level. Throughout the building, generous floor-to-ceiling heights of at least 3.5 metres will be applied to amenity areas.

Bluecastle aims to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification for both the residential tower and the pavilion. The scheme is also targeting a three-star Fitwel rating for multifamily residential buildings. All apartments are expected to achieve at least an EPC rating of B. The development will follow a Net Zero Carbon strategy that aligns with guidance from the UK Green Building Council and the LETI Climate Emergency Design Guide, with a target energy use intensity of 35 kilowatt-hours per square metre per year.

Construction will employ sustainable materials and low-energy systems wherever possible, and contractors will be required to register with the Considerate Construction Scheme to support responsible site practices.

The planning application is scheduled for submission in September 2025. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2026 and complete by late 2028. Detailed design development will continue immediately following planning consent, with RIBA Stage 3 scheduled post-approval and Stage 4a due to start later in 2025.