Karl

Aug 21, 07 - 4:53 PM

WCMD - North Road

The above is getting a multi million pound investment according to the following -

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/southwalesecho/news/tm_headline=college-to-get-a-multi-million-new-look%26method=full%26objectid=19664269%26siteid=50082-name_page.html

Sounds pretty exciting - especially a 350 seat concert hall. I hope some of the money is invested in the front facade and the approach from North Road which is pretty dismal at the moment. I wouldn't mind seeing the elongated ad-hoc car park next to it and stretching down to the castle developed as well. It can't be that great a money spinner for the council given that only a few cars can actually park there but it's in a significant position at the northern entrance to the city centre.

It seems with this and the Atrium building in Adam Street (plus recent additions of WMC and the BBC Orchestra rehearsal/concert building under construction at rear of WMC) that Cardiff is really pushing it's cultural credentials. I think a dedicated Art Gallery is a must although the new improvements to the art wing of the Museum suggest that this is not the strategy of the NMGW at all.

Hypercelt

Aug 21st, 2007 - 7:02 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

According to a report in the Western Mail a few years ago Elizabeth Taylor has asked for her ashes to be buried in the grounds of WCMD because that is where her beloved Richard Burton studied. If so I hope they do some justice to her request.

Me

Aug 4th, 2008 - 5:26 PM

Re: Re: WCMD - North Road

-

Spence

Aug 21st, 2007 - 11:19 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Yes I rememebr that too. I don't know if it is part of these plans, but a few years back there was talk of building a Richard Burton Theatre within thr RWCMD.

Me

Sep 15th, 2008 - 1:35 PM

Re: Re: WCMD - North Road

-

RichardT

May 19th, 2008 - 1:25 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

This development scheme could be starting soon, I have recently noticed those tripod soil testing thingies drilling at the front of the college.

The aim was for a Autumn 2010 completion.

Kyle

May 19th, 2008 - 1:38 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

There's some more information on their website that was posted around the same time in August.

http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/news/news_details.asp?newsid=149

Hamilton's are the architects according to that article, so I've tracked down this link as well. Looks promising.

http://www.hamilton-assoc.com/projects/project-174/

Me

May 19th, 2008 - 1:47 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Me

May 19th, 2008 - 1:53 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

The concert hall looks like a completely new building, possibly of some size, and maybe visible from within the park? I wonder if it will attract anti-campaigns like the Sophia Gardens development? I suspect not.

Hypercelt

May 19th, 2008 - 1:54 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Ah - is that why the trees have been felled alongside WCMD?

Spence

May 19th, 2008 - 3:29 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

There was always an expansion planned; a few years back they were calling it the future Richard Burton Theatre, but I think they dropped it quietly. Now they've merged with Glam Uni though I think they'll be keen to keep the momentum gained with Atrium, so plans should hopefully come to fruition soon.

Sort of along the same lines, the plans for Cardiff SU are getting a big thumbs down from students. Looks like it eats into the social aspect of the building http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17182301986

Me

May 19th, 2008 - 3:49 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

The plan is for it to take 8 years to complete. And (as we know) sometimes plans over-run.

Will we ever see this I wonder:?:?:?:

Starscream

May 19th, 2008 - 4:47 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

I've just asked my housemate who goes to wcmd and he has been told that the concert hall is a new building.

Re: Cardiff Union - the main issues seem to be the removal of the Taf - pub, CF10 - Cafe and small gig venue, and downsizing Solus - Nightclub and gig venue. The thinking is to do with making the Union Buzz with people all day rather than just at night.

They're replacing most of it with some kind of general social area where people can meet friends, work etc. I can't see the logic in this as some people will be tring to work while others party or whatever.

Creating a Gym and making the ofiices more accessible are both good moves IMO.

Overall, the Unon does need a facelift and its existing facilities need to be improved. Its a big building that is very good, but could be a lot better.
It also looks crap from the outside.

Starscream

May 19th, 2008 - 4:49 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Sorry I probably should have posted that in the SU thread which I just noticed.

Karl

May 19th, 2008 - 4:59 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

I would suggest that instead of spending millions on updating social provision for students the money might be better spent on updating the University housing stock. The halls on Colum Rd are an absolute disgrace and a blot on the street as are some of the houses on the same road that have been converted for multiple occupation by the Uni. Senghenydd Halls are also pretty dire.

Perhaps some money should also be put aside for lessons in how to not act like complete t w a t s, how not to talk loudly in a braying voice on public transport, how to dispose of rubbish properly and how to sit in pubs without putting their feet all over the bleeding furniture.

Not that I would tar all students with the same brush of course, perish the thought...

Kyle

May 22nd, 2008 - 4:29 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

What is it with our education sector organisations lately ? We've had postings on here regardings WCMD, WJEC, Cardiff University Student Union and now UWIC are adding a new 3/4 storey building on Western Avenue. Hardly huge news but I thought I'd post it here rather than start a new thread.

LLANDAFF
08/01136/W Full Planning Permission Expected Decision Level: COM
Received: 06/05/2008 Ward: LLANDAFF
Case Officer: Peter Kingsbury
Applicant: U.W.I.C, PO BOX 377, Western Avenue, Cardiff
Agents: Austin-Smith; Lord, One Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff, , , CF11 0SN
Proposal: NEW 3/4 STOREY UNIVERSITY BUILDING TO ACCOMMODATE THE CARDIFF SCHOOL OF
MANAGEMENT.
At: UWIC School of Management, Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff

James

May 22nd, 2008 - 4:58 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Cardiff is most definately a boom town with regards to education. To be fair, I think many UK cities are at the moment, but we have seen pretty big growth in student numbers, infrastructure, staff numbers and reputation

The university of Glamorgan basing their Cultural studies campus here is a major coup. It's not very often that a city effectively gains a new university, and we have done so and gained 2,200 students.

Cardiff now effectively has four universities-We could really push our luck and claim five, as one of the Open Universities regional bases is here!

I think we should stick to four though, and gloss over the fact that one of them-RWCMD-only has about 700 students!

Kyle

May 23rd, 2008 - 12:29 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

My last post was from last week's planning apps, which weren't added to the council website until the middle of this week.

It seems there is more going on at UWIC than just that..unless the demolition below is related to the new building mentioned above ?

LLANDAFF
08/01162/W Conservation Area Consent Expected Decision Level: COM
Received: 19/05/2008 Ward: LLANDAFF
Case Officer: Peter Kingsbury
Applicant: UWIC, P O BOX 377, WESTERN AVENUE, CARDIFF
Agents: Austin Smith;Lord, FAO; TIM YOUNG, 1 DUNLEAVY DRIVE, CARDIFF, , CF11 0SN
Proposal: COMPLETE DEMOLITION OF FIVE BUILDINGS COMPRISING TEACHING BLOCK, TRACTOR
SHED, TEMPORARY BUILDING, ELECTRICAL SWITCH ROOM AND DISUSED BOILER HOUSE.
At: UWIC School of Management, Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff

Kyle

May 23rd, 2008 - 12:39 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Ignore me...of course it is. They are clearly knocking down some old building first.

Where's my coat ?

Kyle

Jul 7th, 2008 - 12:07 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

There's a small article in the WM today regarding the proposed new facilities for the WCMD.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/2008/07/07/22-5m-development-plan-for-welsh-music-centre-91466-21272070/

Sounds like most of the funding for it is in place...let's hope it gets through planning and start construction relatively soon.

Kyle

Jul 7th, 2008 - 3:19 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

More info. on the changes at WCMD on the 3rd July planning apps.

08/01575/C Full Planning Permission Expected Decision Level: COM
Received: 26/06/2008 Ward: CATHAYS
Case Officer: Richard Cole
Applicant: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff
Agents: Hamiltons, Paul Bavister, 66 Porchester Road, London, , W2 6ET
Proposal: NEW 450 SEAT RECITAL HALL, 160 SEAT THEATRE, TEACHING SPACES
At: Welsh College of Music and Drama, North Road, Cathays, Cardiff

Hypercelt

Jul 7th, 2008 - 9:17 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Seen the plans. impressive IMO. Public meeting this Wednesday at RWCMD at 6pm.

Jeremy

Jul 7th, 2008 - 10:12 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

IMO?

Hypercelt

Jul 7th, 2008 - 10:21 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

IMO = In My Opinion (sorry for the jargon!)

Jantra

Jul 8th, 2008 - 1:12 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

oh no not another TLA

(that's three letter acronym for those that don't know)

Hypercelt

Jul 8th, 2008 - 7:11 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

One of the real big sells for me in the proposals is that there will be a cafe/bar and terraced area overlooking Bute Park. Also the bare box of an RCMD building we currently see from North Road will be obscured by a new build joining it which will extend northward (where the theatre will be) adjacent to what is currently the footpath from north road into Bute Park.

Me

Aug 4th, 2008 - 5:27 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Some info on this:

"The design phase has now produced model of the site, which is available for inspection in City Hall. Unlike earlier auditorium plans this design does not intrude into Bute Park but stays entirely on this side of the Dock Feeder Canal. That should make a lot of people happy. It's also a good use of the existing site. All consultative group members thought favourably about the design. It promises to enhance the site in a way the present buildings fail to. One can drive past and hardly notice they're there. When it's built, it will be a truly eye catching addition to Cathays Park complex of pubic buildings."

Me

Sep 15th, 2008 - 1:36 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

One of these pics is on another thread, but thought I should bring them together here.

I think from the North Road side it looks great! The Bute Park side look good as well, but it comes head to head with a much broader issue about whether Bute Park should seem a complete oasis away from 'the modern world' or whether they should interact. Jurys still out for me...

http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/capital_development_project.aspx
(high quality images on these pages)

Cardiff Ian

Sep 15th, 2008 - 1:53 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

I like the grass verges on North Road - hopefully they'll be implemented with the development!

Kyle

Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:01 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Absolutely stunning if you ask me. It's on the edge of the park so I don't see any problems with it.

Cambo_Dai

Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:07 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

I am very much of the opinion that parks should be used and that in a park the size of the Bute Park / Pontcanna Fields complex, this use should include cultural and entertainment events. I would quite like an open air 'amphitheatre' built with stone seats (and the potential to put attractive coverings over, in case the weather is bad), an arboretum or "botanic" garden, and even a fair sized museum - for instance a Welsh Natural History and Science Museum, freeing up the current museum for space as a standalone National Gallery with much more space for contemporary and non-pictorial art.

I think the park is of such size that it can maintain its "oasis" role whilst at the same time being much more a part of the city. I've made it known before I would even favour a road bisecting the park so that there could be a southern area more exclusively used for big events and such facilities and a northern unspoilt area with woodlands and meadows. This road could provide access to these new facilities and Pontcanna. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a little of a good thing to get more of something better.

Me

Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:19 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

The grass verges, walkway and cycle path will be maintained/put in place. The tree planting will be in line with the ones on the othe side of the road to add symmetry. Of course, for the first fair few years the new trees will be much smaller...

I'd want to see images from more angles of the Bute Park side before deciding.

jantra

Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:25 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Dai

you suggest an amphitheatre with stone seats in the traditional sense. having watched carmen in verona I can assure you sat on stone for 4 hours is not a comforting experience. obviously the locals brought cushions with them...

Hypercelt

Sep 15th, 2008 - 9:54 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

I love the idea of some sort of museum - say up towards the Blackwier end. Glass, wood and metal construction - a terrace overlooking the wier - It would give you somewhere to walk to and linger without detracting one bit from the atmosphere of the park. I also don't think it would break the terms of the covenant. I remember many years ago going to the Burrell collection jsut outside Glasgow which was also a modern construction in a woodland park. wonderful atmosphere.

Me

Sep 16th, 2008 - 5:17 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

There is a model of it in city hall. In the main entrance and turn right, by the fish tank. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. Looks really good (even better than the images online). I hadn't realised there will be one continuous roof over all three new builds and joining the old building, with a big atrium stretching from front to back. I've taken some photos, but its hard to get the detail through the glass:::

This one is a bit hard to make out, so I put a red line on it. This shows the new path entrance to Bute Park. The bridge at the back is, I believe, the existing bridge, so it gives a sense of the extent to which the new build will extend over the existing park entrance, that curves in the opposite direction currently.

These photos dont do it justice. Go and have a look...

Me

Sep 16th, 2008 - 5:18 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

I should say, when you're there you can see inside the model, but the trees and glass stop the camera from getting it. There's a button on the front that turns on the internal lights, but they are too bright for the photos.

URBANO

Sep 16th, 2008 - 5:57 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Looks very interesting.It's its own thing but eems to complement Cathays park rather than shout at the surrounding buildings . I hope the materials live up to the concept. Good materials can make an ok building reasonable ( Sleeperz) and bad materials male a reasoanbly good building just ok at best ( Altolusso). What is really intersting about Sleeperz is that they have clad it in quality stone and its only a BUDGET HOTEL.If THEY can do it why can't others?. It clearly doesn't drive a coach and horses through the bottom line, which is the usual excuse pedalled by crap developers.

Wizard

Sep 16th, 2008 - 9:05 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Urbano - my thought exactly. It's a budget hotel whose external cladding would put most other recent developments to shame.

It's pathetic that I have to write that last sentence!

Hypercelt

Sep 16th, 2008 - 10:33 PM

Re: WCMD - North Road

Me

Thanks so much for the pics. I got terribly excited there wondering whether there was a luminescent "dome of discovery" being built on the canal as part of the plan, or whether it was a trailer for the new "The Day the Earth Stood Still" - then I realised it was the reflection of the light....

Author	Comment
Karl Aug 21, 07 - 4:53 PM	WCMD - North Road The above is getting a multi million pound investment according to the following - http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/southwalesecho/news/tm_headline=college-to-get-a-multi-million-new-look%26method=full%26objectid=19664269%26siteid=50082-name_page.html Sounds pretty exciting - especially a 350 seat concert hall. I hope some of the money is invested in the front facade and the approach from North Road which is pretty dismal at the moment. I wouldn't mind seeing the elongated ad-hoc car park next to it and stretching down to the castle developed as well. It can't be that great a money spinner for the council given that only a few cars can actually park there but it's in a significant position at the northern entrance to the city centre. It seems with this and the Atrium building in Adam Street (plus recent additions of WMC and the BBC Orchestra rehearsal/concert building under construction at rear of WMC) that Cardiff is really pushing it's cultural credentials. I think a dedicated Art Gallery is a must although the new improvements to the art wing of the Museum suggest that this is not the strategy of the NMGW at all. Email: thomask1969@hotmail.com
Hypercelt Aug 21st, 2007 - 7:02 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road According to a report in the Western Mail a few years ago Elizabeth Taylor has asked for her ashes to be buried in the grounds of WCMD because that is where her beloved Richard Burton studied. If so I hope they do some justice to her request.
Me Aug 4th, 2008 - 5:26 PM	Re: Re: WCMD - North Road -
Spence Aug 21st, 2007 - 11:19 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Yes I rememebr that too. I don't know if it is part of these plans, but a few years back there was talk of building a Richard Burton Theatre within thr RWCMD.
Me Sep 15th, 2008 - 1:35 PM	Re: Re: WCMD - North Road -
RichardT May 19th, 2008 - 1:25 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road This development scheme could be starting soon, I have recently noticed those tripod soil testing thingies drilling at the front of the college. The aim was for a Autumn 2010 completion.
Kyle May 19th, 2008 - 1:38 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road There's some more information on their website that was posted around the same time in August. http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/news/news_details.asp?newsid=149 Hamilton's are the architects according to that article, so I've tracked down this link as well. Looks promising. http://www.hamilton-assoc.com/projects/project-174/
Me May 19th, 2008 - 1:47 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road
Me May 19th, 2008 - 1:53 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road The concert hall looks like a completely new building, possibly of some size, and maybe visible from within the park? I wonder if it will attract anti-campaigns like the Sophia Gardens development? I suspect not.
Hypercelt May 19th, 2008 - 1:54 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Ah - is that why the trees have been felled alongside WCMD?
Spence May 19th, 2008 - 3:29 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road There was always an expansion planned; a few years back they were calling it the future Richard Burton Theatre, but I think they dropped it quietly. Now they've merged with Glam Uni though I think they'll be keen to keep the momentum gained with Atrium, so plans should hopefully come to fruition soon. Sort of along the same lines, the plans for Cardiff SU are getting a big thumbs down from students. Looks like it eats into the social aspect of the building http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17182301986
Me May 19th, 2008 - 3:49 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road The plan is for it to take 8 years to complete. And (as we know) sometimes plans over-run. Will we ever see this I wonder:?:?:?:
Starscream May 19th, 2008 - 4:47 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road I've just asked my housemate who goes to wcmd and he has been told that the concert hall is a new building. Re: Cardiff Union - the main issues seem to be the removal of the Taf - pub, CF10 - Cafe and small gig venue, and downsizing Solus - Nightclub and gig venue. The thinking is to do with making the Union Buzz with people all day rather than just at night. They're replacing most of it with some kind of general social area where people can meet friends, work etc. I can't see the logic in this as some people will be tring to work while others party or whatever. Creating a Gym and making the ofiices more accessible are both good moves IMO. Overall, the Unon does need a facelift and its existing facilities need to be improved. Its a big building that is very good, but could be a lot better. It also looks crap from the outside.
Starscream May 19th, 2008 - 4:49 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Sorry I probably should have posted that in the SU thread which I just noticed.
Karl May 19th, 2008 - 4:59 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road I would suggest that instead of spending millions on updating social provision for students the money might be better spent on updating the University housing stock. The halls on Colum Rd are an absolute disgrace and a blot on the street as are some of the houses on the same road that have been converted for multiple occupation by the Uni. Senghenydd Halls are also pretty dire. Perhaps some money should also be put aside for lessons in how to not act like complete t w a t s, how not to talk loudly in a braying voice on public transport, how to dispose of rubbish properly and how to sit in pubs without putting their feet all over the bleeding furniture. Not that I would tar all students with the same brush of course, perish the thought... Email: thomask1969@hotmail.com
Kyle May 22nd, 2008 - 4:29 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road What is it with our education sector organisations lately ? We've had postings on here regardings WCMD, WJEC, Cardiff University Student Union and now UWIC are adding a new 3/4 storey building on Western Avenue. Hardly huge news but I thought I'd post it here rather than start a new thread. LLANDAFF 08/01136/W Full Planning Permission Expected Decision Level: COM Received: 06/05/2008 Ward: LLANDAFF Case Officer: Peter Kingsbury Applicant: U.W.I.C, PO BOX 377, Western Avenue, Cardiff Agents: Austin-Smith; Lord, One Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff, , , CF11 0SN Proposal: NEW 3/4 STOREY UNIVERSITY BUILDING TO ACCOMMODATE THE CARDIFF SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT. At: UWIC School of Management, Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff
James May 22nd, 2008 - 4:58 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Cardiff is most definately a boom town with regards to education. To be fair, I think many UK cities are at the moment, but we have seen pretty big growth in student numbers, infrastructure, staff numbers and reputation The university of Glamorgan basing their Cultural studies campus here is a major coup. It's not very often that a city effectively gains a new university, and we have done so and gained 2,200 students. Cardiff now effectively has four universities-We could really push our luck and claim five, as one of the Open Universities regional bases is here! I think we should stick to four though, and gloss over the fact that one of them-RWCMD-only has about 700 students! Email: jat_moore@yahoo.co.uk
Kyle May 23rd, 2008 - 12:29 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road My last post was from last week's planning apps, which weren't added to the council website until the middle of this week. It seems there is more going on at UWIC than just that..unless the demolition below is related to the new building mentioned above ? LLANDAFF 08/01162/W Conservation Area Consent Expected Decision Level: COM Received: 19/05/2008 Ward: LLANDAFF Case Officer: Peter Kingsbury Applicant: UWIC, P O BOX 377, WESTERN AVENUE, CARDIFF Agents: Austin Smith;Lord, FAO; TIM YOUNG, 1 DUNLEAVY DRIVE, CARDIFF, , CF11 0SN Proposal: COMPLETE DEMOLITION OF FIVE BUILDINGS COMPRISING TEACHING BLOCK, TRACTOR SHED, TEMPORARY BUILDING, ELECTRICAL SWITCH ROOM AND DISUSED BOILER HOUSE. At: UWIC School of Management, Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff
Kyle May 23rd, 2008 - 12:39 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Ignore me...of course it is. They are clearly knocking down some old building first. Where's my coat ?
Kyle Jul 7th, 2008 - 12:07 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road There's a small article in the WM today regarding the proposed new facilities for the WCMD. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/2008/07/07/22-5m-development-plan-for-welsh-music-centre-91466-21272070/ Sounds like most of the funding for it is in place...let's hope it gets through planning and start construction relatively soon.
Kyle Jul 7th, 2008 - 3:19 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road More info. on the changes at WCMD on the 3rd July planning apps. 08/01575/C Full Planning Permission Expected Decision Level: COM Received: 26/06/2008 Ward: CATHAYS Case Officer: Richard Cole Applicant: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff Agents: Hamiltons, Paul Bavister, 66 Porchester Road, London, , W2 6ET Proposal: NEW 450 SEAT RECITAL HALL, 160 SEAT THEATRE, TEACHING SPACES At: Welsh College of Music and Drama, North Road, Cathays, Cardiff
Hypercelt Jul 7th, 2008 - 9:17 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Seen the plans. impressive IMO. Public meeting this Wednesday at RWCMD at 6pm.
Jeremy Jul 7th, 2008 - 10:12 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road IMO?
Hypercelt Jul 7th, 2008 - 10:21 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road IMO = In My Opinion (sorry for the jargon!)
Jantra Jul 8th, 2008 - 1:12 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road oh no not another TLA (that's three letter acronym for those that don't know)
Hypercelt Jul 8th, 2008 - 7:11 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road One of the real big sells for me in the proposals is that there will be a cafe/bar and terraced area overlooking Bute Park. Also the bare box of an RCMD building we currently see from North Road will be obscured by a new build joining it which will extend northward (where the theatre will be) adjacent to what is currently the footpath from north road into Bute Park.
Me Aug 4th, 2008 - 5:27 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Some info on this: "The design phase has now produced model of the site, which is available for inspection in City Hall. Unlike earlier auditorium plans this design does not intrude into Bute Park but stays entirely on this side of the Dock Feeder Canal. That should make a lot of people happy. It's also a good use of the existing site. All consultative group members thought favourably about the design. It promises to enhance the site in a way the present buildings fail to. One can drive past and hardly notice they're there. When it's built, it will be a truly eye catching addition to Cathays Park complex of pubic buildings."
Me Sep 15th, 2008 - 1:36 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road One of these pics is on another thread, but thought I should bring them together here. I think from the North Road side it looks great! The Bute Park side look good as well, but it comes head to head with a much broader issue about whether Bute Park should seem a complete oasis away from 'the modern world' or whether they should interact. Jurys still out for me... http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/capital_development_project.aspx (high quality images on these pages)
Cardiff Ian Sep 15th, 2008 - 1:53 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road I like the grass verges on North Road - hopefully they'll be implemented with the development!
Kyle Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:01 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Absolutely stunning if you ask me. It's on the edge of the park so I don't see any problems with it.
Cambo_Dai Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:07 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road I am very much of the opinion that parks should be used and that in a park the size of the Bute Park / Pontcanna Fields complex, this use should include cultural and entertainment events. I would quite like an open air 'amphitheatre' built with stone seats (and the potential to put attractive coverings over, in case the weather is bad), an arboretum or "botanic" garden, and even a fair sized museum - for instance a Welsh Natural History and Science Museum, freeing up the current museum for space as a standalone National Gallery with much more space for contemporary and non-pictorial art. I think the park is of such size that it can maintain its "oasis" role whilst at the same time being much more a part of the city. I've made it known before I would even favour a road bisecting the park so that there could be a southern area more exclusively used for big events and such facilities and a northern unspoilt area with woodlands and meadows. This road could provide access to these new facilities and Pontcanna. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a little of a good thing to get more of something better.
Me Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:19 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road The grass verges, walkway and cycle path will be maintained/put in place. The tree planting will be in line with the ones on the othe side of the road to add symmetry. Of course, for the first fair few years the new trees will be much smaller... I'd want to see images from more angles of the Bute Park side before deciding.
jantra Sep 15th, 2008 - 2:25 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Dai you suggest an amphitheatre with stone seats in the traditional sense. having watched carmen in verona I can assure you sat on stone for 4 hours is not a comforting experience. obviously the locals brought cushions with them...
Hypercelt Sep 15th, 2008 - 9:54 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road I love the idea of some sort of museum - say up towards the Blackwier end. Glass, wood and metal construction - a terrace overlooking the wier - It would give you somewhere to walk to and linger without detracting one bit from the atmosphere of the park. I also don't think it would break the terms of the covenant. I remember many years ago going to the Burrell collection jsut outside Glasgow which was also a modern construction in a woodland park. wonderful atmosphere.
Me Sep 16th, 2008 - 5:17 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road There is a model of it in city hall. In the main entrance and turn right, by the fish tank. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. Looks really good (even better than the images online). I hadn't realised there will be one continuous roof over all three new builds and joining the old building, with a big atrium stretching from front to back. I've taken some photos, but its hard to get the detail through the glass::: This one is a bit hard to make out, so I put a red line on it. This shows the new path entrance to Bute Park. The bridge at the back is, I believe, the existing bridge, so it gives a sense of the extent to which the new build will extend over the existing park entrance, that curves in the opposite direction currently. These photos dont do it justice. Go and have a look...
Me Sep 16th, 2008 - 5:18 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road I should say, when you're there you can see inside the model, but the trees and glass stop the camera from getting it. There's a button on the front that turns on the internal lights, but they are too bright for the photos.
URBANO Sep 16th, 2008 - 5:57 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Looks very interesting.It's its own thing but eems to complement Cathays park rather than shout at the surrounding buildings . I hope the materials live up to the concept. Good materials can make an ok building reasonable ( Sleeperz) and bad materials male a reasoanbly good building just ok at best ( Altolusso). What is really intersting about Sleeperz is that they have clad it in quality stone and its only a BUDGET HOTEL.If THEY can do it why can't others?. It clearly doesn't drive a coach and horses through the bottom line, which is the usual excuse pedalled by crap developers.
Wizard Sep 16th, 2008 - 9:05 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Urbano - my thought exactly. It's a budget hotel whose external cladding would put most other recent developments to shame. It's pathetic that I have to write that last sentence!
Hypercelt Sep 16th, 2008 - 10:33 PM	Re: WCMD - North Road Me Thanks so much for the pics. I got terribly excited there wondering whether there was a luminescent "dome of discovery" being built on the canal as part of the plan, or whether it was a trailer for the new "The Day the Earth Stood Still" - then I realised it was the reflection of the light....