Acting for Cardiff University, DPP secured planning approval for the creation of a ‘World Leading’ Centre for Student Life. The development will transform the student experience by bringing together a range of non-academic students’ services and modern flexible study spaces in an 8,500 sq.m. building.

The proposals, located within the Conservation Area and adjacent to the Grade II listed Main University building, require the loss of existing Victorian buildings and mature trees. As the first building in Cardiff’s Civic Centre to be built for 35 years, the proposals attracted a great deal of local, political and stakeholder interest.

DPP were appointed at feasibility stage, forming part of the selection panel for the design team. Following the appointment of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, DPP worked with them and heritage advisors to develop a scheme which balanced the loss of existing buildings on the Conservation Area, with the benefits of the scheme. Comprehensive engagement was required with the Council, the Design Commission for Wales and CADW to demonstrate that the impact on the Conservation Area was positive.

Despite much public, stakeholder and political opposition to the scheme, DPP secured planning approval and are currently assisting contractor BAM discharge conditions whilst the project progresses on site.

Image: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios