The former HMRC tax office building in Cardiff is undergoing a dramatic transformation, reminiscent of a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. Demolition work on the building began in June 2023 and was expected to be completed within a year, but after 16 months, the process is still ongoing. The landmark, located on Ty Glas road and constructed in 1968, has been vacant since 2020 when the government department relocated to the city centre. Plans for its demolition were approved by the council in August 2022.
The building, which once housed the 16-storey HMRC Government Building and the 11-storey Gleider House, now stands as a skeletal structure with its exterior stripped away. The site presents an eerie sight, with the building looming over the city as a ghostly reminder of its former self. Despite the prolonged demolition process, the interior of the offices is now clearly visible, offering a glimpse of the building’s past life.
Asbestos removal was completed before the demolition work began to ensure safety standards were met. However, the destruction has taken longer than anticipated, leaving only the bare bones of the building exposed. The images captured at the site depict a haunting atmosphere, resembling a setting from a zombie film.
While the progress on the demolition is evident, there is still a significant amount of work to be done to complete the transformation of the old Cardiff landmark. The ongoing efforts to demolish the former tax offices serve as a striking visual reminder of the changing landscape of the city. The redevelopment of the site holds the promise of a new chapter in Cardiff’s architectural evolution, as the remnants of the past give way to the possibilities of the future.