Golden opportunity for construction firm to build Cardiff Council’s new County Hall
German-owned construction group Goldbeck has been selected to construct a new 100,000 sq ft headquarters for Cardiff Council in the heart of Cardiff Bay. The upcoming HQ is set to open alongside the 15,000-seater indoor arena in 2027, pending financial arrangements that are due to be finalised this spring. These projects are key components of the Atlantic Wharf 30-acre mixed-use redevelopment plan, which includes provisions for leisure facilities, restaurants, hotels, offices, and residential spaces.
Goldbeck UK has officially signed a pre-contract service agreement with Cardiff Council to iron out the details regarding the cost and design of the building before progressing to a development agreement later this year. This ambitious project marks the largest undertaking for Goldbeck’s UK arm, with the financing being managed through their investment company, Indigo. Once completed, the building will be acquired by Cardiff Council using their borrowing powers from the Treasury’s Public Works Loans Board (PWLB), at an estimated cost of approximately £60 million.
By transitioning to a more compact and energy-efficient structure compared to their current 270,000 sq ft County Hall, the council aims to generate savings that will help cover the repayments on their borrowing. Following the demolition of the existing County Hall building, the land will be repurposed primarily for residential development within Atlantic Wharf. Additionally, the new building will house state-of-the-art studio and production facilities for the Wales Millennium Centre, fostering talent in the performing arts sector. Post-construction, the Wales Millennium Centre will establish its own funding mechanism for ownership.
Craig Davies, the Managing Director of Goldbeck UK, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting their commitment to delivering an operationally zero-carbon building that caters specifically to the council’s requirements. The new office space aims to provide a contemporary working environment while significantly reducing operating costs compared to the current facility it will replace. Davies emphasised Goldbeck’s holistic approach to the project, from architectural design to on-site assembly, ensuring cost efficiency and aligning with Cardiff Council’s priorities for the Atlantic Wharf area.
In a proactive stance towards addressing industry challenges, Davies outlined Goldbeck’s ambition to revolutionise the UK construction sector by demonstrating the efficacy of their integrated construction model. By focusing on sustainable developments like Atlantic Wharf, which blend commercial spaces, housing, and leisure amenities while leveraging innovative construction methodologies, Goldbeck aims to contribute to the growth of local communities and the national economy. As the UK anticipates significant construction growth in the coming decade, Goldbeck’s disruptive approach seeks to streamline processes and overcome industry obstacles to support the country’s development targets.
The construction of Cardiff Council’s new County Hall symbolises a step towards modernising urban landscapes and fostering cultural and commercial vibrancy in Cardiff. With sustainability and efficiency at the core of this initiative, Cardiff Bay’s skyline is poised for a transformation that aligns with evolving societal needs. Cardiff Council’s strategic investment in this project reflects a forward-thinking vision for the city’s future, encompassing not just infrastructure but also the nurturing of artistic talent through partnerships with institutions like the Wales Millennium Centre.