Plans are underway to introduce a new food hall to the historic Castle Quarter Arcades in Cardiff, as reported by Wales Online. The developer responsible for this ambitious project is Loft Co, known for their successful revitalisation of various Welsh food markets such as Goodsheds in Barry and the Albert Hall in Swansea. The proposed food hall at Castle Quarter Arcades aims to feature 12 independent street food traders, restaurants, event spaces, and even a wedding venue. This development is part of Loft Co’s commitment to preserving the Grade II listed Castle Quarter Arcades, which have been an integral part of Cardiff’s retail heritage since the 1880s.
The food hall, to be named HYS Food Hall, is scheduled to open its doors to the public by late 2025. Loft Co’s managing director, Simon Baston, expressed his pride in spearheading this project in Cardiff, highlighting the city’s rapid growth and the significance of the capital as the location for such an initiative. He emphasised that the food hall venture presented a unique opportunity to merge Cardiff’s heritage with innovative dining experiences, following the successful model seen in other towns and cities across Wales.
The proposed features of the food hall include a capacity for 600 diners across two floors, with ample seating areas, a diverse range of cuisines from the independent street food traders, concept restaurants offering bespoke dining experiences, event spaces for various occasions, and a wedding venue for unique celebrations. The collaboration for this project involves Loft Co working alongside Mansford, the owners of Castle Quarter, as well as Holmes Property Partners, Tandem Property Management, and EJ Hales, who played a crucial role in the acquisition process.
Partner at Mansford, Charles H Knight, shared the vision for enhancing the leisure and retail offerings within Castle Quarter arcades, expressing excitement about Loft Co’s involvement in aligning with their vision for the iconic location. Recent leasing activities at Castle Quarter have already attracted successful leisure occupiers, reinforcing its status as a prime food and beverage destination in Cardiff. The addition of the food hall is expected to further enhance the appeal and vibrancy of the area.
With plans for a unique and dynamic food hall in the heart of Cardiff’s historic arcades, the Castle Quarter is poised for a significant transformation that could elevate the city’s dining and entertainment scene. The blend of Cardiff’s rich heritage with modern culinary experiences is set to create a landmark attraction that promises to be a valuable asset for locals and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development as Cardiff continues to evolve as a dynamic urban hub.
This project marks an exciting opportunity for Cardiff’s food scene, blending tradition with innovation to create a vibrant new destination within the city center. The collaboration between Loft Co and various stakeholders reflects a shared vision to enhance the leisure and retail experiences in Castle Quarter Arcades, ensuring a diverse and engaging offering for residents and tourists. As Cardiff’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of HYS Food Hall is poised to make a significant impact and further establish the city as a hub for gastronomic exploration.