Cardiff’s Iconic Coal Exchange Hotel to Undergo Renovations, Reducing Operating Days and Staff
In a recent development, the prestigious Coal Exchange Hotel in Cardiff Bay has announced plans to implement a series of refurbishments that will involve the hotel being closed midweek and a reduction in staff. The hotel, which has been a prominent landmark in Cardiff, will now be closed from Monday to Wednesday on most weeks for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the hotel’s Aura restaurant, which opened its doors in October, will also be shuttered during these days. The decision to close the hotel midweek is to facilitate renovation work in the basement of the historic building and the northern side of the hotel.
The hotel manager, Keith Clash, stated that four staff members have been made redundant as part of a business restructuring, emphasizing that these job cuts are not directly related to the renovation project. Clash further explained, “The hotel will be closed some weeks from Monday to Wednesday to allow the development of the north. It will remain open for special event days/private events and for some weeks or months that have already been booked, and we can pre-plan with the development team.” The management team aims to finalise works on a new spa, gym, cinema rooms, hotel rooms, and the new northern section of the Grade II-listed hotel.
Since its transformation into a hotel in 2017, the 137-year-old Coal Exchange building has faced various maintenance issues and safety concerns. In 2024, the building was listed by the Victorian Society as one of the Top Ten Buildings in Danger in England and Wales for the second time. Notably, the property was temporarily closed from January to March last year when the freeholder, Eden Grove Developments, took back possession from the operator, Coal Exchange Hotel LLP. Additionally, in February 2023, the hotel had to shut down due to significant structural damage caused by a burst pipe.
The historic building’s tumultuous history includes emergency works carried out by Cardiff Council in 2013 to prevent collapse. Following this, the property was taken over by developer Signature Living, which later went into administration during the pandemic, resulting in disrupted weddings and bookings. Currently protected by a Section 72 planning notice, the hotel’s north side is subject to special attention from the council to preserve its character and appearance during any planning decisions. The completion date for the ongoing renovation works has not been specified.
Looking ahead, the Coal Exchange Hotel is set to undergo a transformation with the introduction of new amenities and enhancements to its existing infrastructure. Despite the challenges faced in recent years, the hotel remains a significant part of Cardiff’s architectural and historical landscape. The management’s commitment to revitalising the property signals a positive step towards preserving its legacy while offering guests an enhanced experience in the future.
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