The Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, a beloved and iconic structure in Cardiff Bay, known as ‘The Tube,’ has left behind a legacy that exceeded its original five-year lifespan. Designed by architect John Lyall, the cylindrical building welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and became a prominent feature of Cardiff Bay’s landscape from 1991 to 2010. Lyall expressed his surprise at the building’s longevity, noting that its original intention was only to stand for five years.
Initially constructed in 1990 at a cost between £350,000 and £500,000, the building served as an exhibition space for Cardiff Bay’s development. Despite being relocated near the Norwegian Church in 1993, ‘The Tube’ retained its popularity, attracting visitors with its unique design and a scale model of the city within its walls. The structure, constructed from steel hoops and a PVC membrane, garnered critical acclaim and put both Lyall and co-designer Will Alsop on the architectural map.
However, in 2010, the building had to be dismantled as the land it occupied was needed for the construction of the Origami Bridge. A Cardiff council spokesperson mentioned that the building was showing signs of age and was beyond economic repair, leading to its disassembly and eventual sale for material reuse. Today, only an empty gravel patch remains where ‘The Tube’ once stood for almost two decades.
Despite its physical absence, the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre continues to hold a place in the memories of those who visited and admired its distinctive design. The building’s unexpected endurance beyond its planned lifespan serves as a testament to its impact on the Cardiff Bay community and beyond.