A major building in Cardiff’s Royal Infirmary is to be demolished, partly due to being a potential danger to public safety. The structure, known as the Links Building, forms part of the wider Grade II listed Cardiff Royal Infirmary but is not itself listed. The infirmary, which dates back to the 1800s, is distinguished from the Links building, which was built post-1948 and is not physically connected to the main listed building. The building’s derelict appearance, with missing window panes and graffiti on its fenced-off façade, has raised concerns.
The rationale behind the demolition, submitted to the council on behalf of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, states that the building is “not fit for purpose to deliver local health services, cannot be viably maintained, and is considered a potential danger to public safety.” The demolition falls under permitted development, with notices displayed at the site on March 22. A request for the council’s prior approval was made on Thursday, August 8, and granted on Monday, August 12. Signs reading ‘demolition in progress’ have been erected outside the abandoned building.
Previously serving as part of the Community Mental Health Team’s Links Centre, the building’s impending demolition marks the end of its chapter in Cardiff’s landscape. Establishing safety measures and ensuring public well-being are paramount in the decision-making process regarding the city centre building. Residents and passersby can witness the gradual dismantling of the structure, paving the way for potential future developments in the city’s thriving urban environment.
Keeping abreast of Cardiff’s rapidly evolving landscape and infrastructure changes is crucial for locals and stakeholders invested in the city’s progress. The planned demolition of the Links Building underscores the ongoing efforts towards modernising and revitalising Cardiff’s architectural heritage, aligning with the city’s vision for a safe and sustainable urban environment.