CARDIFF | St David's 2 | U/C [Archive] - Page 2

flange

March 20th, 2009, 09:50 PM

ST DAVIDS 2 WELCOMES TRIO OF TOP NAME RETAILERS

19/03/09

Crew Clothing, Disney Store and H&M have signed up for space at St David's, the regenerated shopping centre at the heart of Cardiff, Europe’s only major city centre retail destination opening in 2009.

Lifestyle fashion store Crew Clothing, outfitter for the England Polo team, fashion retailer H&M, design collaborator with Comme Des Garcons and family favourite Disney Store will join the likes of Kurt Geiger, Hugo Boss, Radley, Crabtree & Evelyn and John Lewis, with its largest store outside of London and first in Wales, at St David’s.

The scheme is being developed by St David’s Partnership, a collaboration between the UK’s Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities

St David’s 2 will deliver 967,500 sq ft (89,880 sq m) of new retail space, in addition to the existing 427,000 sq ft (39,670m2) St David's shopping Centre, which attracts more than 27 million shoppers each year. The new 1.39 million sq ft (129,135 sq m), St David's will be one of Europe’s prime shopping centres and will propel Cardiff, with its 2.5 million catchment and 10 million annual tourists, firmly into the UK’s top ten retail destinations.

St. David’s 2 is on schedule for its autumn opening. External units on Hayes Westway, including Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Wagamama have already begun trading, and the St David’s Partnership has delivered the state-of-the-art new library to the City. The landmark 55,000 sq ft library opened on March 14th and is the greenest building in Cardiff.

http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/news/press_releases09.html

flange

April 1st, 2009, 12:54 PM

St David’s 2 close to 55% let

16:18 | 31.03.09

By Laura Chesters

St David's 2, the Cardiff shopping centre, has signed up 14 retailers taking it to close to 55% let ahead of opening in the autumn.

Fashion stores New Look and Slater; phone shops Carphone Warehouse, O2 and Vodafone; footwear retailer Clarks; gift store Clinton Cards, coffee shop Starbucks, jewellers Beaverbrooks, Fraser Hart, Goldsmiths and Parkhouse the Jeweller, as well as and accessories retailer Claire’s and Essential have all signed up at the centre.

The shopping centre will be anchored by a 260,000 sq ft John Lewis, the retailer’s largest shop outside of London and its first in Wales.

The latest lettings take the centre to 55% let or in solicitor’s hands of the total floor space in St David’s 2.

Caroline Kirby, of the St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities developing Cardiff’s new shopping centre, said: ‘We have worked with individual retailers on a bespoke basis to ensure that, despite current market conditions, they can open a shop within what will become one of Europe’s premier city centre retail destinations.’

The 967,500 sq ft St David’s 2, will join with the existing 427,000 sq ft St David's shopping centre.

Letting agents are E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3137460&c=1

JamesWales

April 1st, 2009, 02:06 PM

It's 'solid' news if not especially exciting. what is bizarre is that the SD2 website is so poor, especially at marketing the place. It's almost a guerilla tactic. Perhaps they have a deliberately poor website to engage the public/media/interested retailers in real conversation?

Either way, bear in mind they are spending £675 million, and check out the poor website:

www.stdavids2.com

flange

April 1st, 2009, 04:18 PM

You want exciting, how about the first Apple store in Wales opening at St Davids 2.

International Expansion Continues With UK Sites

April 1st, 2009

The year 2009 will truly be one of international expansion, with the confirmation that Apple will open two additional stores in the United Kingdom by this fall. First, Apple will locate at the St. David’s Centre 2 in central Cardiff, the capital of Wales in the west of England. The 1981-vintage center is undergoing a $185 million renovation and expansion that will add nearly 1 million square-feet of retail space and 300 upscale apartments. The expansion should open by October, when the Apple store will also hold its grand opening

http://www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2009/04/01/international-expansion-continues-with-uk-sites/

Karldiff

April 1st, 2009, 04:57 PM

You want exciting, how about the first Apple store in Wales opening at St Davids 2.

http://www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2009/04/01/international-expansion-continues-with-uk-sites/

Surely an April fools? Cardiff, capital of Wales in the west of England? Not even the Yanks are that fucking sloppy.

jeremai

April 1st, 2009, 04:57 PM

"the capital of Wales in the west of England"???

JamesWales

April 1st, 2009, 05:05 PM

Clearly they mean

"Capital of Wales, and the West of England" ;)

Reading through it's riddled with mistakes..it reckons SD2 is a $185m dollar scheme...about 4 times less than the true value.

It's clearly been written by an apple monkey, who has never set foot out of his bedroom for 2 and half years.

steppenwolf

April 5th, 2009, 10:24 AM

oh thts just shocking! I dont thinks its an April fool. Its just written by a mone of those americans who cant distinguish between England, the UK, Scotland, Wales... it is complicated though.

Cambo_Dai

April 7th, 2009, 01:05 AM

Yeah I think they mean the west of the United Kingdom which would be an accurate description of Wales.. but they use England/Britain/UK interchangeably.

There really should be no excuse for using England when you mean the UK, and people should try to use the UK/GB thing more accurately too.

Apple store is not surprising.. they are in Exeter and Milton Keynes ffs.

sagarkanabar10

April 7th, 2009, 02:14 PM

http://www.ifoapplestore.com/stores/chronology.html

St. David's Centre 2 - Cardiff (UK) - The town is capital for Wales. The existing mall is being renovated and enlarged into 1.4 million s.f. with 160 stores and 300 second-level apartments. The centre will also have public meeting and gathering areas, including a city public library. Job listings posted April 1, 2009. The expanded section opens in Fall 2009, and the Apple store could open by October. [centre map, pdf] [St. David's 1 Web site]

they are opening a store in cardiff, its no suprise as they are also opening a store in Norwich and Aberdeen

http://www.apple.com/jobs/uk/store/

the new stores are also listed here!!!

Mango are also opening
http://www.mango.com/home/home.asp?idioma=in&pais=006&europeo=S&tarifa=UK
click on the cities drop down box and cardiff is listed as a new opening store.

cardiff

April 8th, 2009, 07:04 PM

"The existing mall is being renovated and enlarged"

A more accurate statement would be "a new mall is being built and the exisitng one connected to it and modernised."

Lyndon

April 14th, 2009, 09:05 PM

I was in the "old" St. David's Centre today. The refurbishment is nearly finished and it's looking really, really good.:) There are some especially nice friezes by a local artist arranged around the central rotunda.

The new Town Wall South mall looks virtually finished and could probably open any time, although there isn't much point at the moment because it's completely empty.:lol:

steppenwolf

April 16th, 2009, 12:15 AM

ALERT! Picture desert ALERT!

cardiff

April 16th, 2009, 12:34 PM

Does it have a cherry on the top of the desert?

Lyndon

April 16th, 2009, 06:53 PM

This is pinched off the Cardiff Wales Map forum:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i216/neilfromroath/Image279.jpg

Lyndon

April 16th, 2009, 06:57 PM

Hey, that worked! Cool. Here's a couple more then:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i216/neilfromroath/Image282.jpg

The new Town Wall South mall.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i216/neilfromroath/Image284.jpg

New skylight in SD1.

Credit to the mysterious gentleman known only as "Me" for the pics.

SixU

April 19th, 2009, 04:04 PM

cheers for those, how awesomely spacious.

hoodedvillain

April 28th, 2009, 02:33 AM

^^^ Thanks for the post!

Cambo_Dai

April 30th, 2009, 07:09 PM

I don't know if people are keen also on the shops...

But the latest confirmed signing is Ollie and Nic, an 'accessories store'. Superdry, the "street" clothing company is also close to finalising an agreement, and perhaps most "exciting" of all, Hamley's is in negotiations for an MSU as it rolls out a series of 20,000 - 30,000 square foot stores across the country following success in Dublina and the "underperformance" of its much smaller concessions in HoF stores.

http://www.retail-week.com/hamleys-to-exit-house-of-fraser-as-it-eyes-bigger-stores/5002115.article

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3139032
http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3139003

steppenwolf

May 5th, 2009, 03:07 PM

has anyone been into town with their camera recently?

if so, lets see soem pictures of paving, the hayes, St Johns Church square, St Davids etc etc!!

PICTURES! Im starving here in London!

cardiff

May 5th, 2009, 04:26 PM

These are the latest pictures, feel fre to transfer them on here

http://picasaweb.google.com/cardiffstjohncity.admin/Reconstruction7#

Andrew

May 5th, 2009, 05:11 PM

Looking at that picture on the Hayes, there are two things that come to mind. First is where are they going to put the trees?! Second is that I think I'd have prefered the design of SD2 if the facade had not been straight. Only a minor thing but I think it would have given the development a more sensitive and appropriate feel if they had mirrored the curve of David Morgans in the shopping centre. I know the southern end is curved, which I like, but most of the facade here is a straight line - a very slight curve towards the northern end is all that would have been needed.

jeremai

May 15th, 2009, 09:17 AM

More shops needed for new centre
05:40 GMT, Friday, 15 May 2009

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45777000/jpg/_45777321_99ef11c2-c8df-4e8a-b3c8-0d28e340d0ed.jpg

Nearly half of the retail space in a new £675m shopping centre is still to be let five months before it opens.

Ahead of announcing its launch date, developers said 43% of floor space in St David's 2 has still not been filled.

But Neil Carron, project director of Land Securities, said negotiations with other retailers were being finalised and he was "confident" in its success...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8050727.stm

cardiff

May 15th, 2009, 11:18 AM

JamesWales

May 15th, 2009, 04:57 PM

I'm pretty sure we wont get anymore significant stores signing up, just a product of the time. Hopefully it wont leave the area feeling unfinnished on opening. The only thing will be the sanctamoneous press saying how this is a cardiff problem and not a wolrd wide one.

I'm almost certain that SD2 will be 80%+ full when it opens.

There are a lot of negotiations going on at the moment.

cardiff

May 16th, 2009, 01:45 AM

Its not going to be 80% full of shops Cardiff needs though, its going to be the last desperate shops just to fill it up.

Cambo_Dai

May 17th, 2009, 01:36 AM

I don't think it will be full of "desperate" poundland style shops given the fact that the investment is a long term one for Landsecurities and Liberty International. Its worthwhile them taking a knock for upto a couple of years if they can position the centre as a mid to high end shopping centre, with the higher rents that will allow.

someone posted on CWM forum a list of stores that had been put on the St David's wikipedia page but then removed. Now of course anyone can write any old rubbish on there but the stores mentioned are very specific. Many match with those stores known to be looking for a presence in the city and/or have taken spaces in other new centres recently. Theres not the likes of the superbrands who a "joker" might put on (e.g. Gucci, Prada), but there is enough idiosyncracy in the list that it doesn't just look like someone has thought about missing stores in the city and put them in there. I think there is a good chance that its a "leak" by someone involved who is getting a bit tired of the whole secrecy surrounding it. If they are talking about 80 stores being open in October, which they now seem to be saying with some confidence, there is still quite a few more to go.. But, anyway, here is the list:

G-Star Raw (but their site does show a store opening)
Bench
Evisu
Apple Store (their site has an opening)
Puma
Ted Baker
Lacoste
Paul Frank
Quiksilver
Ripcurl
Animal
Office
Choice
Pepe Jeans
French Connection
Calvin Klein
Armani Exchange
Diesel
Vans
Levi's
JD Sports
Canterbury of New Zealand

sagarkanabar10

May 17th, 2009, 02:07 PM

Also Mango look to open a new store

DaiB

May 20th, 2009, 08:43 PM

Mill Lane is looking sprucer these days, SD2 has definitely provided the impetus for things to be freshened up a bit:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00949.jpg

Especially this fabulous bit of work:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00946.jpg

cardiff

May 21st, 2009, 02:18 AM

Great pics, thanks for them. Mill lane has always been quite nice, and its improoved though i wait to see how bus routes will interfere with noise etc along here.

DaiB

May 21st, 2009, 07:37 PM

New signage on John Lewis...
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00950.jpg

...and on the new library:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00956.jpg

Public realm works round the back of the library:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00955.jpg

A new arcade from an old arcade:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00958.jpg

Gradually being unwrapped:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00957.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00959.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00960.jpg

rodins

May 21st, 2009, 07:38 PM

Great pics, thanks for them. Mill lane has always been quite nice, and its improoved though i wait to see how bus routes will interfere with noise etc along here.

Quite a lot of buses used Mill Lane BEFORE SD2 started so I guess it will be just like before!

DaiB

May 21st, 2009, 07:43 PM

In some ways it should be a considerable improvement given that for half the length of the lane the road now runs on the other side of the library.

flange

May 21st, 2009, 08:45 PM

Thursday 14 May 2009: The countdown is on!

Firstly, welcome to my brand new blog! I’m Liz Mihell, managing director of the new John Lewis shop in Cardiff.

Having now lived in Cardiff for a few months, the sense of growing excitement I’ve felt from people in and around the city has not only filled me with optimism, but cemented my belief that coming to Cardiff is exactly the right move for John Lewis.

Okay, with the introductions out of the way, what better way to post my first entry than on a landmark day for John Lewis Cardiff?

Today was a big day as we announced the opening date for our very first John Lewis shop in Wales – which will be 24th September – and took the media on their first tour of the new branch. It was great to see so many journalists just as enthusiastic as I am about John Lewis coming to Cardiff.

As the second largest store in the John Lewis Partnership and the largest outside of London, there was plenty for myself and Gavin Smith – our Occupations Manager – to get through as we took everyone around.

The Cardiff shop is the first in the next generation of John Lewis shops – a move beyond many of our existing branches. As well as such unique exterior features as the glass prow – which will act as a beacon for the new shop – the interior is quite different from what you will have seen if you’ve visited any other John Lewis branches in the UK.

While looking around each of the four floors and speaking to everyone on site, there seems to be a healthy competition amongst the teams on each floor to make theirs the best. Nothing wrong with that!

Seeing the progression of the first floor was particularly exciting as it will be home to the womenswear, lingerie and fashion accessories. We’ve really pushed the boat out by bringing some top brands to our womenswear and lingerie collection, including Ted Baker, Elie Taharia and Stella McCartney. Not only this, but we’re bringing a brand new concept for womenswear to Cardiff, which will make shopping for clothes even more enjoyable! While I’m really looking forward to this, I think my husband is dreading me coming to work every day!

The beauty department will house brands such as Kiehls, Laura Mercier, Liz Earle – all of which won’t be available anywhere else in Cardiff. When I’m not overseeing the running of the store, I think I’ll be amongst the rest of the customers trying to get my hands on some of those top names!

Just so the boys don’t feel left out, in another exclusive for Wales, we’ve also got Ralph Lauren on board too! It’s great news that Ralph Lauren has picked Cardiff to be its first John Lewis department store. We’ll also stock menswear brands such as Belstaff and Zegna Sport as well.

As each day goes by, it becomes easier and easier to suspend your belief and imagine just where each line of stock, each brand name and each department will sit, and how each floor as a whole will take shape.

Gavin remarked that it took just two weeks for the flooring on the third floor to go from concrete to complete. Things are moving fast towards the August completion date, when the John Lewis occupation team move in and get ready to bring in the stock.

I wrapped up the tour as I started it, with a few media interviews – something I’m looking forward to doing more of as we get nearer and nearer the 24th September.

All in all, today has only reinforced my belief that the city is just as excited about us arriving as we are about moving here.

The countdown is on!

http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSTemplate.aspx?Id=662

14 May 2009: John Lewis Cardiff counts down to September opening date

The countdown to the John Lewis shop opening in Cardiff has begun and in 133 days the doors will open on a new department store that will change the face of shopping in Cardiff.

On Thursday 24 September at 9.30am John Lewis will open as the principal anchor shop for the landmark St David’s development.

Liz Mihell, managing director of John Lewis Cardiff said: “We are all thrilled to be opening in Cardiff this September. Our shop will be a contemporary showcase with hundreds of exciting products and we can’t wait to share it with shoppers in Wales.”

Covering 280,000 sq ft in total, the new shop will have over 170,000 sq ft, of selling space and feature fashion, furniture and homewares. The Cardiff store will be the second largest in the John Lewis Partnership and the largest branch outside London.

Liz adds: “Customers can look forward to shopping for everything under one roof in a fantastic shop spanning four floors. There will be men’s and women’s fashion brands including Nicole Fahri and Stella McCartney lingerie and an aspirational beauty department including Kiehls, Laura Mercier and Liz Earle – all brands that aren’t available anywhere else in Cardiff.”

Womenswear brands will include Reiss, Ted Baker, Jigsaw, Paul and Joe Sister and Elie Taharia and in menswear Ralph Lauren, Belstaff, John Smedley, Zegna Sport and Hackett.

Hungry shoppers will also be well-served in the new department store which will feature a ‘Place to Eat’ restaurant with 293 covers on the third floor and an espresso bar with 129 covers – the largest in any John Lewis branch.

Liz adds: “We are looking forward to becoming part of the local community and this huge new space will now allow us to bring our principle-led approach to retailing to Cardiff in September.”

Recruitment is underway for more than 700 jobs at John Lewis Cardiff.

In addition to John Lewis, St David’s will feature over 100 shops, 21 cafes and restaurants and 304 new homes.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSTemplate.aspx?Id=651

Boards

May 22nd, 2009, 04:15 PM

22.05.09

Toy retailer continues expansion with stores in Glasgow and Cardiff

Hamleys, the London toy shop, is in the process of signing for a store in Glasgow at St Enoch shopping centre’s £100m extension.
Hamleys, whose Regent Street flagship store is a world-famous attraction, is embarking on a regional and international store expansion plan.
It is to take a 25,000 sq ft store at the entrance of Ivanhoe Cambridge’s 250,000 sq ft extension. The rent is undisclosed. The letting has board approval from Hamleys and is at legal stages.
Meanwhile, in Cardiff, Hamleys is in detailed discussions with Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities for a store at their St David’s 2 shopping centre extension.
The roll-out follows store openings last year in Dublin, Jordan and Dubai. Hamleys opened a 37,000 sq ft store in Dundrum Town Centre in Ireland last autumn, as reported in Property Week (06.06.08).
The store opening programme is part of Hamleys’ strategy to focus on large standalone stores to bring the ‘magic, theatre and entertainment’ of its brand to regional cities.
Hamleys closed its House of Fraser concessions last month, including its outlet at the Frasers department store in Glasgow. Its airport stores will remain open, however.
Hamleys was part-owned by Icelandic retail investor Baugur. But the group collapsed under debts of around £1bn earlier this year and its stakes in companies were reclaimed by its Icelandic bank lenders. Baugur’s stake in Hamleys is now controlled by the administrators to the Landsbanki bank.
Hamleys’ Glasgow store will open in October as part of the extension of St Enoch, which has created an entrance on the corner of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street. Hamleys will join Folli Follie, the fashion accessory and jewellery chain, and clothing retailer H&M.
Zone A rents at the centre are believed to be around £123.
Canadian fund Ivanhoe Cambridge and US REIT Mills Corporation bought the original 700,000 sq ft St Enoch centre in a joint venture in 2004. But Mills suffered severe financial difficulties during 2006 and was forced to sell its stake to Ivanhoe.

Jones Lang LaSalle is Hamleys’ retained adviser.

cardiff

May 22nd, 2009, 06:09 PM

Thanks for that boards, we were expecting something to be announced soon, but hen St Davids 2 website is really crap at announcing who is actually going to be in the store.

DaiB

May 22nd, 2009, 07:09 PM

Looks promising.... there seems to be a Hamleys coming to Cardiff rumour every few years. Hopefully it'll happen this time though, since they finally have somewhere to move into.

Boards

May 22nd, 2009, 09:08 PM

Thanks for that boards, we were expecting something to be announced soon, but hen St Davids 2 website is really crap at announcing who is actually going to be in the store.

Your welcome. This scheme is putting Cardiff into the premier league, no doubt. Hamleys, Apple and John Lewis to name just a few. Take a look around, there's very few places in the UK with those three.

DaiB

May 24th, 2009, 02:16 PM

Latest from the webcams:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/tmp-1.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/tmp.jpg

sagarkanabar10

June 1st, 2009, 01:47 PM

i just got ahold of the SD"Letting plans from their letting agents which has details of the stores opening.

the following are definately opening,#

Peacocks
Thought Cards
BB's Coffees and Muffins
Starbucksx2
Slaters
Vodafone
Hugo Boss
All saints
TM Lewin
Disney
H&M
Clinton Cards
Parkhouse Jewellers
Goldsmiths
Crabtree and Evelyn
ollie and Nic
Folli and follie
Beaverbrooks
Links of London
Radley
Reiss
Kurt Geiger
Essential
Crew clothing
Jamies Italian
Wagamama
GBK
Strada
John Lewis
Carphone Warehouse
Fraser hart
O2
Hey Potato!
Cadwaladers Ice cream
Claires Accessories
New Look
Clarks
Revive

The following stores and Restaurants are in solicitors hands.
Select
Shoe Zone
Superdrug
Sports direct
Game
Urban Outfitters
Fat face
J4 Jeans
Quiksilver
Levis
Costa Coffee
Cult
Muffin break
Spatz
Maxi's
Yo Sushi!
Apple
Monsoon
Henleys
Thomas Sabo
Loccitane
Jack and Jones/Vero Moda
Coffee Republic
Republic
Blue Inc
Chimichangas
Cafe Rouge
Nandos
Pizza Express
Zenzeni
Frankie and Bennys

Stores which are in negotiation

Wheels of sport
suits You
orange
aveda
currys digital
7 camicie
pen shop
swatch
pret a manger
wok in a box
patiserrie valerie
bench
ugg
leia
musto
Lk Bennett
mothercare
la senza
deichmann shoes
jd sports
mango
wasabi life
g star
aldo
Foot asylum
gap
hotel chocolat
body shop
lipsy
Jones bootmaker
warehouse
oasis
lambretta
lacoste
azendi
coast
karen millen
choice
adidas

and 48 empty units
totals 158
hope this helps:)

Cardiffman102

June 1st, 2009, 03:44 PM

Can you put a copy of the plans online so we can see where the retailers are going? Or does it just give you a list??

sagarkanabar10

June 1st, 2009, 03:45 PM

im sorry theyre too big but i can email them if you like

Cardiffman102

June 1st, 2009, 03:51 PM

Yeah cheers its cardiffman102@hotmail.com, would be great to see them!!

sagarkanabar10

June 1st, 2009, 03:53 PM

ive sent them over do tell me if you dont like them

Cambo_Dai

June 1st, 2009, 06:41 PM

Can you also send them to me? fluffysheepwa@hotmail.com

cardiff

June 1st, 2009, 07:40 PM

love the email address cambo!

flange

June 1st, 2009, 08:08 PM

JFour denim to arrive in UK

29.05.09

Fashion entrepreneur Robert de Keyser is to launch Italian denim concept JFour in the UK and plans to open 24 stores over the next 12 months

He has already signed for three stores and is in talks for a fourth.

De Keyser, who is a fashion agent for denim brands such as Rock & Republic and Iceberg, has signed up for a 1,600 sq ft unit within the arcade on Peter’s Lane at Liverpool One, a 1,381 sq ft store at Multi’s Victoria Square shopping centre in Belfast and a 1,418 sq ft store in the lower level St David’s 2 in Cardiff.

JFour sells jeans in three fits, skinny, straight and bootcut, with its trademark coloured stitching.

Knight Frank advises JFour; Cushman & Wakefield acted for the landlords in Cardiff; DTZ advised in Belfast; Strutt & Parker advised in Liverpool.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3141456&c=1

sagarkanabar10

June 1st, 2009, 08:17 PM

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3141456&c=1

they are taking the unit facing the pointy part of john lewis on tredegar street

flange

June 26th, 2009, 02:15 PM

Toy story

26.06.09

By Laura Chesters

Hamleys, the world-famous toy shop, is coming to Glasgow as part of a global expansion

Wacky races propeller aeroplanes flying across the ceiling, Transformers robots and giant bears: this is not what a Glaswegian shopper would expect to be greeted with on a trip to the local shopping centre.

However, in October, some of Glasgow’s 91 million shoppers a year will be welcomed by the most famous toy shop in the world, Hamleys.

Hamleys, which has been in London’s Regent Street since 1881, is embarking on an expansion in the UK and beyond. Its first stop is Glasgow.

The retailer has had its fair share of recent ups and downs. Because Hamleys is owned by Icelandic investors, it was affected by the domestic banking crisis. It is now 64%-owned by nationalised Icelandic bank Landsbanki.

However, the retailer has put its troubles behind it. In the past year it has opened stores in Dublin, Jordan and Dubai. In Glasgow, it this month signed for a 30,000 sq ft store in Canadian investor Ivanhoe Cambridge’s £100m extension to St Enoch’s shopping centre. The store, which will open when the extension opens in October, will be one of St Enoch’s anchors and Scotland’s only Hamleys.

Hamleys’ global store rollout will not mimic its huge Regent Street store but will focus on a one- or two-floor, 30,000 sq ft format. The seven-floor flagship formula is destined for just two locations, potentially Paris and Moscow.

Gudjon Reynisson, Hamleys chief operating officer, said: ‘We want to grow this brand away from the tourist dependency it has had in the past in Regent Street, where 40% of the customers are tourists in the summer. The new format will be more flexible and will cater to the local community. It will constantly change its themes and “theatre” to keep visitors coming back to see something different.’

Reynisson describes Hamleys as a ‘premium mass-market’ brand. ‘We don’t want to be upmarket,’ he says. ‘It is lonely being an upmarket brand.’

Instead, he sees Hamleys as a brand that will attract families to its stores every two or three weeks, which is why the Glasgow store will have continually changing displays and products. The formula is ideal for landlord Ivanhoe Cambridge, which is pitching the centre at families and the ‘premium mass-market’.

Hamleys is all about ‘theatre and magic’ but Reynisson is not taking for granted that Scotland will instantly know the brand.

‘There is a high percentage of recognition of the Hamleys name compared to other brands, but we have to work hard and can’t assume we have a captive audience that will know the brand,’ he says.

Recession proof

The toy market was valued at £3.3bn in the UK in 2008. During a recession some might think luxuries such as toys and gifts would suffer as consumers hold back on spending, but retail analyst Verdict Research has shown that adults might stop buying luxuries for themselves but would still treat their children.

Maureen Hinton, analyst at Verdict, says: ‘Families and grandparents will still want to indulge children and Woolworths’ exit has allowed others to gain a larger market share.

‘As margins are low, toys rely a lot on branding and sales generated by products related to promotions such as films. If films drive sales of products, often these products – the must-buys – can be sold at higher prices, which benefits retailers.’

Hamleys prides itself on its product launches and tie-ups with suppliers. It often arranges new toy product launches in its Regent Street store and is considering options for product launches to tie up with Glasgow and London or even Glasgow alone.

Reynisson is cautious about expansion for the chain and wants to oversee one store opening at a time. It is still in talks with Land Securities and Capital Shopping Centres about a store at St David’s 2, the extension to the Cardiff shopping centre. ‘I like Cardiff, but it will not be this year,’ confirms Reynisson.

After Cardiff, Reynisson says he would consider cities such as Leeds in the north of England. However, the rollout would not be to every city in the UK. It is a global rather than UK strategy, to keep the brand a ‘destination’ rather than a one-in-every-city format.

Jones Lang LaSalle is advising Hamleys on its expansion plans, which have so far been successful. Hamleys’ Dundrum store, which opened last year, is trading well, despite the dire state of the Irish economy.

The store in Glasgow is also expected to be a success. As Richard Kingston, vice-president of leasing at Ivanhoe Cambridge, says: ‘We wanted to change St Enoch’s perception, and Hamleys is a dream tenant. We are creating a point of difference for St Enoch from any other centre.’

As Hamleys works to attract all customers and not just tourists, its expansion plan will likely play out well.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=39&storycode=3143677

flange

July 3rd, 2009, 05:56 PM

Trio of occupiers at St David’s in Cardiff

11:24 | 03.07.09

By Jennifer Rigby

Retailers Quiksilver, Fat Face and Italian denim store J4 Jeans have signed up for stores at St David’s in Cardiff.

The new shopping centre extension opens on 22 October this year.

Quiksilver has taken 2,182 sq ft for its first store in Cardiff and Fat Face has taken 3,174 sq ft. J4 Jeans has taken 1,471 sq ft as part of plans to expand in the UK.

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres, on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities, said: ‘Young and exciting brands such as J4 Jeans, Fat Face and Quiksilver are keen to open stores in St David’s, attracted by the cosmopolitan catchment for what will be one of Europe’s premier shopping destinations.’

Letting agents for St David’s are E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3144155&c=1

Danger Mouse

August 6th, 2009, 01:38 PM

Pictorial updates anyone? Starved of building evidence over here in London! Would be much appreciated...

cardiff

August 6th, 2009, 02:40 PM

^^

http://picasaweb.google.com/cardiffstjohncity.admin/Reconstruction8#

flange

August 14th, 2009, 12:37 PM

Cult to open flagship at St. David's
14 August, 2009

By Nicola Harrison

Fashion chain Cult will open its first UK flagship store in the new St. David’s shopping centre, Cardiff.

The store, due to open on October 22, will cover more than 13,500 of space – its largest store to date.

The retailer will join other retailers such as All Saints, H&M and John Lewis in the 967,500 sq ft centre, which is 64 per cent let, or in solicitor’s hands.

St David’s is a joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) and Land Securities.

CSC’s Joanne Skilton said: “Cult is a great brand and reinforces the fashion credibility and tenant mix of St David’s.”

St David’s letting agents are E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield. Jones Lang LaSalle acted for Cult.

http://www.retail-week.com/property/shopping-centres/cult-to-open-flagship-at-st-davids/5005401.article

lukey

August 17th, 2009, 11:04 AM

I was brought up in Cardiff, went to uni in Cardiff but i moved to Birmingham last year. I go back to Cardiff regularly but this was the first time id been back in 3 months so I took some photos;

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0004.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0007.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0011.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0027.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0031.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0029.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0030.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss201/lukepricey/DSC_0008.jpg

Cheers,
Luke

jeremai

August 17th, 2009, 02:36 PM

Wow, what an update; things have really changed since I was last down there! Welcome to the forum and please post often. :)

Cambo_Dai

August 17th, 2009, 11:09 PM

I wish there was some way they could make Bute Terrace more pedestrian friendly. I think it was a missed opportunity on the part of SD2 not to include a few units facing this thoroughfair. They wouldn't have such great shops but could have included a convenience store, maybe a florist, a bakery etc. The first picture looks really good - I'm surprised Altolusso and Meridian Gate work so well together. But it seems a shame this will basically be a backroad for pedestrians. Perhaps if SD2 had included the office space it was originally intended to include it could have been accessed from here and could have generated some foot flow.

Lyndon

August 21st, 2009, 11:04 PM

Video from inside the new John Lewis, opening next month:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8215273.stm

cardiff

August 22nd, 2009, 11:33 PM

Looks great to me! cant wait to get in the coffe bar to see the atrium.

flange

September 4th, 2009, 02:32 PM

Five fashion retailers sign up at St David’s shopping centre

September 4, 2009

Five fashion retailers have signed up to the new extension at St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff, which opens on October 22.

LK Bennett is to open one of its new format stores, with a 2,290 sq ft space. All four of Aurora’s brands – Karen Millen, Oasis, Warehouse and Coast – are also taking stores in the centre.

The scheme is presently 64% let or in solicitors’ hands.

St David’s Partnership is a joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities.

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Michael Peddar & Company advised LK Bennett, Harper Dennis Hobbs
and Leslie Perkins advised the Aurora brands.

http://www.retail-week.com/property/shopping-centres/five-fashion-retailers-sign-up-at-st-davids-shopping-centre/5005909.article

kardif123

September 4th, 2009, 10:57 PM

Apple are opening a store in St Davids 2!

www.cardiffshopping.blogspot.com

Cambo_Dai

September 5th, 2009, 03:34 PM

Old news. They have been advertising for the jobs since April. The latest store to put out job ads is Guess which is an American denim and fashion company. Not sure if its for a store or a concession.

kardif123

September 9th, 2009, 04:35 PM

Yo! Sushi confirmed, hopefully we'll get a Wasabi aswell.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-news/2009/09/09/wales-to-get-its-first-yo-sushi-japanese-restaurant-91466-24640020/

cardiff

September 9th, 2009, 05:48 PM

I wonder how they will affect Zushi

flange

September 10th, 2009, 09:07 PM

Another name to add to the list of stores opening at St Davids 2 will be Menkind.

http://www.menkind.co.uk/OurShops.asp

kardif123

September 10th, 2009, 10:09 PM

flange

September 11th, 2009, 02:03 PM

JFour Jeans will not be opening at St Davids after the company went into administration.

At Cardiff the JFour store had not been fitted out and Capital Shopping Centres and LandSecs’ St David’s Partnership made no contribution.

A spokesman for the partnership said: ‘While it is regretful that the brand will not be opening a store at St David’s, no capital outlay has been incurred by St David’s Partnership and there has already been interest in this prime unit on the Hayes, opposite John Lewis.’

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3148453

kardif123

September 14th, 2009, 02:57 PM

JamesWales

September 14th, 2009, 04:43 PM

I just read an interesting article on Cardiff not having enough electronic shops. Since Dixons closed down, there isn't anywhere were you can buy things like hi-fi, sat navs, laptops in the city centre.

In London, areas such as Tottenham Court Road specialise in selling electronic equipment. Why doesn't Cardiff have such an area??

http://cardiffshopping.blogspot.com/2009/09/capitol-punishment-cardiffs-capitol.html

City Road/Albany Road, Cowbridge Road West. All havens for electronics.

Cardiff Market is great for smaller electronic goods. I think Howells sells electronics. John Lewis will be, and there is a currys.digital opening in SD2 I believe.

All sorted!

dreammaker

September 16th, 2009, 12:24 AM

:cheers:

dreammaker

September 16th, 2009, 12:34 AM

Can anyone tell me how to post a photo? it asks me "URL link"??? I just want to attach one from hard drive! Thanks

Delirium

September 16th, 2009, 12:48 AM

Can anyone tell me how to post a photo? it asks me "URL link"??? I just want to attach one from hard drive! Thanks

er you can't. See this thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=688068 :)

JamesWales

September 16th, 2009, 02:05 PM

People may wonder why the largest retail scheme currently under construction isn't garnering much debate on here,even though its anchor store John Lewis opens next week, and the remainder of the £675m scheme opens in October.

Well, essentially the reason is that it is discussed in great detail on www.cardiffwalesmap.com.

The recession has hit the scheme, and 6 months or so ago, it was looking a bit worrying. However, the last few months and weeks has seen a rush of new retailers joinging the scheme, boosting everyones confidence really.

latest announced here from http://cardiffshopping.blogspot.com/ which also provides a good list of the proposed new retailers.

Guess
Vero Moda
Jack & Jones
Jane Norman
Saltrock
Urban Decay Cosmetics
Sole Trader

Delirium

September 16th, 2009, 02:38 PM

jeremai

September 16th, 2009, 08:09 PM

Pictures from last Saturday; not much different to Lukey's, but just something to stop the tumbleweeds rolling by in this forum!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3913407116_4389a8005c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3912633285_db13732cd7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3913413874_502c5c1ae3_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3912623631_16942ba707_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3912619869_cbb08c5164_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3912630605_8bf31652d0_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremai/

Andrew

September 16th, 2009, 11:54 PM

Some very nice photos there. Good to see this scheme getting finished off now.

Karldiff

September 17th, 2009, 09:41 AM

Some very nice photos there. Good to see this scheme getting finished off now.

I don't think all the works will be complete when SD2 opens in October particularly on the east side near Bridge St/Mary Ann St. I think the Hayes will look spruce and Mill Lane has already more or less been completed but quite a lot of it will be subject to ongoing works. Plus there are a number of retailers who will not be opening until Nov 09 which will mean ongoing shop fitting works inside the centre.

flange

September 17th, 2009, 03:14 PM

Cardiff prepares to welcome John Lewis with giant models

Posted by Editor

16/09/2009

09:18:54

If you are in Cardiff over the next few days you may notice a few oversized items on the streets. Don't worry; it is just a promotion for the new John Lewis that opens next week.

Giant models that you will find around Cardiff are a giant handbag, a chair and a blender, which range from 10ft to 15ft tall. The models will be on display until the 28th of September and can be found on Churchill Way, Working Street and City Hall Lawn.

John Lewis Cardiff managing director Liz Mihell said: 'The Cardiff shop will be the largest John Lewis outside London, so it seems appropriate to mark the opening with supersized products.'

The new store in Cardiff, the first John Lewis in Wales, opens next Thursday (24th September).

http://www.myretailtherapist.com/default.asp?id=470&ver=1

http://www.johnlewiscardiff.com/en-gb/

flange

September 17th, 2009, 03:15 PM

According to the careers page of the Reiss website their store is not due to open till January 2010.

http://www.reiss.co.uk/contact/

kardif123

September 18th, 2009, 01:36 PM

Great photos jeremai. Spotted the big John Lewis promo handbag on queen street yesterday. The handbag is by 'Osprey'. I bet there are people who think the handbag has something to do with the rugby team....

DaiB

September 18th, 2009, 09:24 PM

Great photos! Cheers Jeremai.

flange

September 18th, 2009, 10:19 PM

John Lewis unveils new womenswear concept

18 September, 2009

By Amy Shields

John Lewis has unveiled the details of its new premium womenswear concept set to debut in its Cardiff store next week.

The department store retailer, which was set to announce its preliminary results as Drapers went to press, has allocated 20% additional space to womenswear at the Cardiff store, which opens on Thursday, compared with other average stores.

The department features seven areas for clothing, jewellery and lingerie, each with a distinct look and feel. It will be the second largest womenswear department in the John Lewis business, after its Oxford Street store in London.

John Lewis, which has introduced a further 70 brands in 2009 across its fashion offer, said it would roll out the concept to 18 shops by autumn 2010, with its shop at Bluewater in Kent three quarters of the way through refurbishment at present.

John Lewis has been driving its fashion credentials through the recruitment of upmarket brands and the launch of high-profile fashion campaigns. This week, it relaunched its fashion website.

“It is about creating an inspirational shopfit,” said John Lewis buying director for fashion Peter Ruis. “We have had a nice, easy-to-shop but relatively drab shopfit that has not fitted the brands.”

The concept consists of a denim area with wood features, while the designer area is fitted out in a retro gold colour. The contemporary area uses sculptural frame displays and the classic area makes a feature out of glass. The department also comprises a lingerie area, a footwear and handbag section with feature walls, and a jewellery area with black painted walls and statement chandeliers.

Ruis said that the brands had maintained their identity but that the area had a “more eclectic feel”.

The relaunched fashion website features 200 brands and is set to generate sales of £70m by 2011. Brands featured include Lulu Guinness, Steve Madden, Belstaff, Mulberry, Orla Kiely and Paul & Joe Sister. Ruis said that it would add 100 more brands to the site over the next 12 months.

Fashion currently represents 6% of Johnlewis.com’s total sales.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/multiples/news/john-lewis-unveils-new-womenswear-concept/5006404.article

flange

September 22nd, 2009, 02:06 PM

More stores sign on to the new extended St David's

Posted by Editor

22/09/2009

Big names including Folli Follie and Mothercare have confirmed they will open stores at the new St. David's centre. There will also be a Jack & Jones, Vero Moda and a large Sports Direct.

The Jack & Jones and Vero Moda stores represent the first stores in Wales for retailer Best Seller. The Folli Follie brand is also new to Cardiff. The opening of the Mothercare store sees the return of the retailer to the city centre. Grahame Smith, Mothercare's property director, said: 'Mothercare is delighted to be opening in St David's after a year out of Cardiff City centre. We look forward to showcasing our new City Centre store format and hope our customers will enjoy the experience of shopping in this new environment.'

Other retailers recently confirmed for the Centre, which opens on the 22nd of October, include Blue Inc and Thoughts Cards.

http://www.myretailtherapist.com/default.asp?id=475&ver=1

jeetha

September 24th, 2009, 11:13 AM

Is John Lewis opening today?

jeremai

September 24th, 2009, 12:13 PM

Is John Lewis opening today?

Yes:

'Store wars' as John Lewis opens
09:00 GMT, Thursday, 24 September 2009 10:00 UK

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46414000/jpg/_46414678_johnlewis.jpg

Wales' largest department store has opened in Cardiff, triggering a fightback by other city centre shops.

Thousands of customers are expected at John Lewis after it opens the doors to its biggest store outside of London...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8266622.stm

DaiB

September 25th, 2009, 12:06 AM

Had a look round this evening... it's like a really big, er, shop.

No, it's striking. Impressive, but not spectacular. The espresso bar in the 'prow' is a nice space though.

DaiB

September 25th, 2009, 12:07 AM

Oh, and the landscaping around it is looking great. Several new trees, planters. Paving looks great. It's another city.

jeetha

September 25th, 2009, 02:25 AM

^^Great:banana:

flange

September 28th, 2009, 08:52 PM

John Lewis records 12,000 transactions on opening day

28.09.09

By Aditi Shah

Thousands of eager shoppers queued outside the new John Lewis store in Cardiff that opened last week.

The 260,000 sq ft department store is the retailers’ second biggest in the UK after its flagship store on Oxford Street in London. Several shoppers came in during the lunch hours to pick up a token from Wales’ largest department store.

The first purchase of the day was recorded on the Lancôme beauty counter. Home electrical items were in demand, with 21 large screen television sets, 10 Sebo vacuum cleaners and one refrigerator worth £3,000 sold.

Among the best selling items were Liz Earle beauty products, Ralph Lauren menswear and bed linen. The £1 John Lewis Value range mug and pairing knife were completely sold out.

John Lewis launched a new concept for the womens wear floor where Phase 8 and Oasis recorded high sales.

More than 300 scones, 100 welsh cakes and 3,000 hot drinks were consumed by shoppers at the Place to Eat and Espresso bar in the store.

John Lewis Cardiff managing director Liz Mihell said: “Opening day was fantastic and it was great to see how excited customers are about our new shop. Sales exceeded our expectations, finishing more than 20% ahead of our target for the day.”

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3149752&c=1

jeetha

September 29th, 2009, 08:50 AM

I went there yesterday it was very busy. The queue in the restaurant was longest I when seen for a long time. St Davies 2 coming November & it is going to be massive. :banana:

The new hotel in front was busy too.

jeetha

September 29th, 2009, 09:13 AM

A friend of ours, have one bedroom apartments in Altolusso the building in front. Last year they were renting for £550. 6 months ago £600-£650 and yesterday he said he rented 2 off them for £700.00 each. Both off them within an hour of the old tenants moving out.

He said that when the work on John Lewis was going on, it was hard to rent them out because of the loud noise. Now everyone want to be there.

cardiff

September 29th, 2009, 04:12 PM

Makes sense, apartments in good areas built to a good standard will do well. Makes you hopeful for other prestige developments in the center!

Andrew

September 30th, 2009, 12:04 AM

Makes sense, apartments in good areas built to a good standard will do well. Makes you hopeful for other prestige developments in the center!

Such as the central hotel development.

cardiff

September 30th, 2009, 02:49 PM

I think we all know what scheme we would like to be built, though it seems uterly foolish to believe its going to happen! Anyway heres fingers crossed for bayscape.

flange

October 12th, 2009, 08:46 PM

New retailers at Cardiff's St David's

16:52 | 09.10.09

By Jennifer Rigby

Fourteen new retailers have signed up for shops at St David’s 2 in Cardiff, which opens on 22 October.

The St David’s Partnership, a joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities, has signed up fashion store Lambretta; audio store Digital Connections trading as Bose; Formula One store Wheels of Sport; stationer Paperchase; jeweller Thomas Sabo; gadget store Menind and Prêt a Manger. All of these stores are making their Welsh debuts.

It has also signed up Jane Norman, Game, Shoe Zone, Lakeland, Faith and local restaurant Bellini’s.

The new phase of St David's will increase the existing shopping centre to 1.4m sq ft.

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), on behalf of St David’s Partnership said: “We will be opening more shops in the run up to Christmas and the quality of the retail offer will reinforce Cardiff as a key location within the UK retail hierarchy.”

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3150709&c=1

flange

October 16th, 2009, 03:24 PM

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8593/stdavidscardiff.jpg

from
http://www.retail-week.com/property/shopping-centres/st-davids-cardiff-signs-more-retailers-ahead-of-opening/5007217.article

flange

October 16th, 2009, 03:25 PM

Photos and article about the new John Lewis at St Davids 2

http://www.retail-week.com/stores/john-lewis-welsh-flagship-sets-sail-in-cardiff/5007147.article

Barafundle

October 18th, 2009, 09:11 PM

The Hayes is fast becoming a very impressive place and will certainly pack a wow factor. The old library ( I believe soon to be Cardiff museum?) at one end and the new Central Library at the other anchor it supremely well.

Tonkataff

October 20th, 2009, 02:02 PM

Does the centre of Cardiff really need a market? People are going to John Lewis, etc may not be interested in that so much.

Northampton open air market is in the middle of the town, works well that.

cardiff

October 21st, 2009, 01:22 AM

Well the farmers market on a sunday is really succesfull. I think people apreciate fresh produce from local stalls, generally its cheaper as well and brings a sense of comunity to what could just be a center full of international and national chain shops etc. people go to the center other than for John Lewis!

flange

October 22nd, 2009, 08:29 PM

St David’s 2 opens its doors

22 October 2009

By Eve Oxberry

Cardiff’s St David’s 2 shopping centre opened its doors this morning.

The £675m extension to the existing St David’s centre was still around 30% empty as it opened having struggled to fill space as retailers put their expansion plans on hold during the recession.

However, at the time of launch, stores including John Lewis, New Look and H&M all had a sizeable presence in the development, which is a joint venture between Land Securities and Capital Shopping Centres.

Fast fashion retailers are also supporting the venture. Peacocks chose the site for its new 10,000 sq ft flagship store and the launch of its first designer collection by Pearl Lowe. Primark is also reported to be in negotiations to open a 100,000 sq ft store in the development. If the popular fast fashion giant opens in the development it is likely to attract other retailers to follow suit.

Retailers are reported to have negotiated extremely favourable rental deals, averaging 24 months rent-free on ten-year leases.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/multiples/news/st-davids-2-opens-its-doors/5007300.article

jeremai

October 23rd, 2009, 09:14 AM

Anyone been in yet?

cardiff

October 23rd, 2009, 12:02 PM

^^ http://pub25.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=2072278363&frmid=13&msgid=849954&cmd=show&cp=5

Most people seem to think its a combination of bland but classy and wont age too badly. high quality, with the hayes area being impressive and the development getting less impressive the further east you go. its not all finnished yet though but from first impressions most seem to think its great!

DaiB

October 23rd, 2009, 01:44 PM

It's very good. A real step up for Cardiff's retail offer. The upper level of the Grand Arcade feels especially spacious with the double height stores and barrel roof - it really feels of a quality that should be attracting high-end retailers.

SagaCity

October 24th, 2009, 09:39 PM

I went shopping in the city centre today and I have to say that SD2 is really impressive. It will be even better once it is more fully occupied.

I really like what they've done to the arcades of the old St David's as well. The new glass roofing makes it a lot lighter and airier.

hoodedvillain

October 26th, 2009, 10:51 PM

From Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=st+davids+2&s=rec

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4046497502_0cf3b491c2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/4045754149_3b3b0697a2_o.jpg

http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4037007752_010d8fa248_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/4036257513_2d47c38ffe_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4037009226_b92e627ee6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/4037145342_7757dbb0c0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/4037007878_561c8a6214_b.jpg

hoodedvillain

October 26th, 2009, 10:57 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/4036257861_9b4d50c95e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/4037146416_bb5d5ec76e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/4039845479_0560f3b0ec_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/4036395749_9b3a131f01_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/4036257385_35398e9d4b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/4034490168_f69b76bc17_o.jpg

bristolboy

October 29th, 2009, 02:27 PM

I cant say im impressed it looks just like another boreing bland mall.
I just hope it doesnt suck the life out of the rest of Cardiffs shopping area.

JamesWales

October 29th, 2009, 02:52 PM

I cant say im impressed it looks just like another boreing bland mall.
I just hope it doesnt suck the life out of the rest of Cardiffs shopping area.

Well if you don't like malls in general then yes it's probably boring and bland. Compared to what was there though is remarkable.

Erebus555

October 30th, 2009, 03:15 AM

hoodedvillain

October 30th, 2009, 03:29 AM

I had a look at this on Tuesday - I didn't realise it was so new to be honest - I quite liked it in there though there is a definite justification for the comments about it being bland. I was really impressed by the top floor and the sweeping roof. Shame that so many shops are still yet to open - it makes the Apple store look a bit lonely up there.

I quite like the outside too - the Hayes apartments look great from the outside too. I really wouldn't mind having one of them. :)

I personally thought that the finishes were of a top standard! Real high quality stuff. Once the food quarter is open with TGI fridays, chimichange, nandos etc it will be awesome.

I especially like the touch screen virtual map of all the shops at the information panels dotted around the shopping centre and the roof is quite something!

cardiff

October 30th, 2009, 01:28 PM

I think where it may come across as bland is the wood on the roof. As its such a vast expanse it doesnt seem to have much texture/ richness of colour and can be seen as bland. The danger though is that it could have come across as heavy and dark. I think maybe they should have had slightly brighter coloured fixtures and fittings to compensate. I havent been yet but there doesnt seem to be much in the way of seating, bins etc from the pics.

Erebus555

October 30th, 2009, 04:31 PM

Well, I think the blandness came across really just through colour and texture, moreso colour. Though it is true that it could get too heavy if you add too much - this is something that I felt uncomfortable with at the MyZeil in Frankfurt; it had a lovely roof which really lit the place up but the black marble floor clashed too much with it. I agree the finish is quality. And I didn't use any of the touchscreens - I could only find two anyway... maybe I wasn't looking hard enough - but if they're anything like the ones in the Bullring in Brum, they should be great. :)

It's funny that you mention a lack of seating because I did notice that. However, the main 'arcades' are pretty narrow to allow crowds to pass through and have seating. I think there was seating in the main central bit, though.

delores

October 31st, 2009, 02:56 AM

I cant say im impressed it looks just like another boreing bland mall.
I just hope it doesnt suck the life out of the rest of Cardiffs shopping area.

I agree...it looks so dated already.

JamesWales

October 31st, 2009, 07:23 PM

I agree...it looks so dated already.

Sorry, but I find that an utterly absurd thing to say!

cmw

November 3rd, 2009, 04:15 PM

I went home to Cardiff at the weekend and I have mixed views on the new St David's 2. I think the developers have done a great job on the Hayes section of the development - its the way design should be going forward and reminded me of large bits of Liverpool 1. But, I was really dissapointed with the main arcade. It was nothing to do with the fact that there were large numbers of empty units, it just smacked a bit of what developers were building in the 1990's - I worry it wont age well in 10 years time. Hate to say it, but overall I was a bit dissapointed with the overall development having been to Liverpool 1 and Cabot Circus during the past year. I also worry that it will eventually drain Queen Street. Cardiff is just too small to sustain that amount of retail in my view.

cardiff

November 3rd, 2009, 05:03 PM

I went for the first time yest. I would say overall the Hayes was magnificent, the main arcade did feel high quality yet bland (it might just be the fact that the empty shops have quite flat frontages compared to what they will be when open on the upper level, where they were open it was quite nice). I do think the main arcade did feel like it was missing something, it was just a bit too minimalistic for my taste. John Lewis was great, which is funny as it was the part of the development i was most worried about. I would say i much preffer it to Cabots circus, it has a much better flow to it and doesnt have the isolated shopping center feel about it. Where i would say it wasnt as good as cobots is that cabots feels more of a showpiece piece of architecture, whereas st davids feels like an extension of the city and is slightly less glitzy and to be honest less exciting. Its great but a bit too functional (and therefore probably succesful) for my taste. I would also say that the above images dont realy capture it and that they only represent a small fraction of the development.

cardiff

November 6th, 2009, 08:06 PM

I think this image shows that when the shops open on the top floor it wont feel so bland

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/4081087464_78bb7ac664_b.jpg

Some other pictures

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3948810420_da87420111_b.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3750192709_c7bdde92ed_o.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3843883257_f781c21157_b.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3850816996_95d08fbdd9_o.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3950302915_e99cf68015_b-1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3976598604_fe4c70cfe4_b.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3993700030_cfe0131e95_b.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3996034499_e559e758d2_o.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/3998440794_ed655dcf14_b.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/4074665422_3b863960a1_o.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/4074665510_b7b823900d_o.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/4071725978_caf24ce289_o.jpg

What was there before

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/C23721k.jpg

Cardiffman102

December 4th, 2009, 12:46 PM

Does anyone know where i can get my hands on the latest Leasing Brochure for St Davids there seems to be alot of movement and announcements on the plans but can't seem to get hold of them. The st davids facebook page updates about openings including:

Bose
Sole Trader
Fenchurch
Centro Coffee (never heard of before)
Vero Moda
Swatch
Lambretta
Guess
The Fragrance Shop

(all opening before christmas)

But would like to see where they are on the plans, and any new that are negotiating.

Any ideas let me know, or better still if anyone has them please let me know!!

JamesWales

December 4th, 2009, 01:38 PM

Cardiffman102

December 4th, 2009, 07:48 PM

Yeah I check that forum out regularly and when people have said that they have them and if anyone wants a copy I always request one, but they are never sent so was just seeing if anyone on this forum had a copy or any contacts that will send them on!! Cheers though.

DaiB

December 13th, 2009, 02:50 PM

Just in case anyone thought it was over, landscaping continuing on the new Eastside square:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES09121301.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES09121302.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES09121303.jpg

And piling around the back of the car park for (I presume) the affordable housing element, although the replacement for St David's Market it supposed to be around here somewhere too...

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES09121304.jpg

Cariad

December 14th, 2009, 12:29 AM

Thanks for the photos, it seemed everyone had stopped posting now it was open.

Keep them coming!

cardiff

December 14th, 2009, 11:52 AM

Thanks for the pics

steppenwolf

December 14th, 2009, 01:23 PM

is the area being landscaped at the back going to be a permanent public open space?

DaiB

December 14th, 2009, 08:17 PM

I'm not aware of any existing plans to build on it, so I hope so. Although the surrounding buildings leave a lot to be desired... there were plans (credit-crunched) to have a substantial mixed-use development on the Rapport building and the open air carpark, so this could improve things if it ever happens.

DaiB

December 28th, 2009, 01:56 PM

Couple more from Eastside square:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES09122801.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES09122802.jpg

And a neat new feature at the Hayes Island cafe:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/HI09122801.jpg

DaiB

January 3rd, 2010, 03:01 PM

And from today:

Piling over on Barrack Lane, should see something appear here soon:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10010307.jpg

Something going on in front of Cineworld, water feature perhaps?

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10010306.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10010305.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10010304.jpg

The view from Cineworld:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10010303.jpg

Heading around towards the library:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10010302.jpg

Spikes:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10010301.jpg

cardiff

January 4th, 2010, 01:20 AM

Karldiff

January 5th, 2010, 10:22 AM

Thanks for the updates! Not sure how usefull this square is when the surrounding architecture is bland at best, saying that though this could be Cardiffs version of Leicester square. A revamp of the side facing the square of the cia could make it exciting though i'd hate to see the 60's office block demolished despite its diminutive size compare to everything else

By 60's office block do you mean Rapports? It's actually a Victorian building wioth a 60's frontage tacked on. I quite like it but there are already plans afoot to redevelop that and the surface car park next to it.

I think I'm correct in saying that planning permission has been granted although when work will commence is anyones guess. Depending on the quality of this scheme I actually think this square will work well - in a bang up to date, modern sense. The Cine world building is distinctive and at night is lit up. Presumably further work will be carried out on SD2 car park (particlularly the LEd lighting promised).

SD2 eastside faces onto the square and with the CIA, Jurys hotel, Cineworld, the casino plus A3 outlets there should be significant footfall. The Job centre plus building is no great shakes but the terraces at the end of Charles St and the chapel being converted into a restaurant at the end of Churchill Way are attractive.

I actually think the square could be quite an exciting place to be at night. The emphasis is on could of course but the plans for the Rapport site do include A3 and retail. Plus a tower which would really set off the cluster of talls pictured in Dai B's post below.

jeetha

January 5th, 2010, 10:42 AM

Nice pictures guys...keep them coming.:banana:

The Rapports building does look out of place here.

What is the planning permission granted for?

Karldiff

January 5th, 2010, 12:56 PM

Nice pictures guys...keep them coming.:banana:

The Rapports building does look out of place here.

What is the planning permission granted for?

The Design Commission for Wales report is here

http://dcfw.org/media/designreviews/131/en/marcol_court_cardiff_design_review_report_pub_120308.pdf

As a brief summary an 18 storey tower is planned for David St (facing SD2) dropping down to 8 storeys on the side facing Churchill Way. Undercroft parking, A3 and retail use at ground and first floor with office/hotel use on the next five floors and then residential after that.

I suspect that the plans will be re-worked now that Premier Inns, Radisson and Sleeperz have all opened/will open since planning permission and the arse has fallen out ofthe city centre apartment market. In addition viability may also be affected by how well retail does in Cardiff. If SD2 is fully let and the likes of Queen St, St Mary St etc are still showing a strong performance it may become more viable for further retail units.

I can't see there being much of a market for office space though - not with Callaghan Square and Capital Waterside still only half completed.

In conclusion a scheme that looks likely to stay on the architects drawing board for another 2 years at least........:bash:

Barafundle

January 6th, 2010, 02:25 PM

The are still obvious pockets in the city centre for tall buildings and this area is certainly one of them.

The city now needs to get new businesses in rather than the relocation of existing companies. This will require a bit of joined up thinking from WAG, CCC and also the marketing people. It will be a major challenge for Cardiff in her next stage of development to begin/continue attracting big firms to relocate and an approach is to have attractive, striking and good quality buildings.

steppenwolf

January 7th, 2010, 01:50 AM

Im so chuffed and surprised that Eastside Square has appeared! I think that theres definitely enough going on around it to animate it and fill it with activity. Love the spike and hoop too. Really excited about visiting soon and having a look around at all the lovely new urban treats.

Karldiff

January 20th, 2010, 03:33 PM

I don't know if this has been posted before but a few local food outlets have been confirmed (on top of Cadwalladers, Wallys and Bellini's).

Boof - which apparently is from the owners of Le Gallois in Canton is a sort of basic French fast food rotisserie type of place and Dragons Dish (I think) which I think is from the owners of the Old Post Office in St Fagans.

It's nice to see a few local businesses get in on the act as well as the usual Pizza Express/Nandos/Costa Coffee that you can find in any shopping centre between Exeter and Glasgow.

DaiB

January 20th, 2010, 11:06 PM

Great that there'll be some local stuff among the chains.

Tallsmurf

January 22nd, 2010, 12:36 PM

The Rapport building must be one of the ugliest building in the city centre, and the surrounding streets remined me of the bombed out street car paring around the Hayes in the 60s.

If this whole area - from the railway lines to the CIA could be completed, it would finish off the city centre quite nicely.

cardiff

January 22nd, 2010, 01:19 PM

Here is a better image of the building as the pics above are of its side/back. There are still the remnants of what this area was like, and while i would welcome new developments it would be a shame to loose these buildings even though none of them are particulaly unique in the city.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

I think the biggest thing that can be done is a revamp of the CIA.

kardif123

January 31st, 2010, 12:28 AM

If people are looking for information on St David's 2, these are some useful websites:-

www.cardiffwalesmap.com

www.stdavidscardiff.com

www.cardiffshopper.com

Andrew

February 2nd, 2010, 06:52 PM

Looking at this picture, first posted above:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES09122802.jpg

I think one thing they could do is, if and when the CIA is given a revamp, they could look at either shifting the main entrance round a bit so that it's fronting the new square, or build a second entrance, perhaps with a couple of small cafes there. It wouldn't be difficult; there looks to be enough space and there are already doors on that side, but it might do a lot to make the square a proper focal point.

DaiB

March 1st, 2010, 08:51 PM

Further progress on the landscaping in front of Cineworld, but not a water feature after all. Good quality materials though:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10022801.jpg

And cores up for what will presumably be the affordable housing element:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10022802.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES10022803.jpg

cardiff

March 2nd, 2010, 07:07 PM

Thanks for the pics, cant imagine this will look very nice but luckilly its hidden away. As for the square it will be adequate.....maybe they should build that new dragon sculpture in it lol

DaiB

March 21st, 2010, 04:09 PM

Landscaping progressing nicely:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00476.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/DSC00478.jpg

Andrew

March 22nd, 2010, 02:12 PM

I'm actually quite pleasantly surprised, this is turning into a pretty reasonable little public square. Not what I was expecting at all. I was expecting this side to feel more of a back end, a bit neglected. Ok it doesn't have anywhere near the same quality as the Hayes side, but it seems pleasant nonetheless.

DaiB

March 22nd, 2010, 06:55 PM

I don't think I'll be able to take it seriously as a pleasant open space until the car park is sorted out - if it ever is. There was supposed to be some sort of artwork to lessen the effect of the ramp on the surrounding area, but at the moment it just looks overbearing and unpleasant. It's as tall as the Cineworld building!

cardiff

March 23rd, 2010, 12:55 AM

I think the metal fret work is your art. I think if it was just given a very smooth white render then it would look quite smart as well as being functional.

Lyndon

March 23rd, 2010, 10:02 AM

Nah, there's supposed to be an LED light display fixed to the gridwork around the ramps.

Karldiff

March 23rd, 2010, 10:59 AM

The car park is - at the moment - a really weak link in the whole scheme. The ramp with it's exposed concrete is very poor. I'd heard that there would be an led lighting scheme that would track movements on the ramp which sounds cool if you are there at night but during the day it still looks half finished.

Not just this but if you look above the 2nd floor on Hills St and there is a huge expanse of grey metal fretwork. Ditto at the southern end of SD2.

The Marriot MSCP is actually quite attractive so I had high hopes that we would get something innovative that added to the streetscape rather than detract like the Greyfriars Rd and Quay St car parks. But this is just a mess and as Dai B says it doesn't matter how much is spent on the new square it won't detract from the poor finish of the car park.

cardiff

March 23rd, 2010, 01:49 PM

It looks ok at night, i think without the cinema though it would look awful

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/susananstiss/4149445895_1765bd28be_o.jpg

Kind of reminds me of the car park in this advert (though in reality this looks awful due to the scale). But it wouldnt be too hard to achieve

87nDEUscky8

flange

March 26th, 2010, 04:03 PM

Ruby Tuesday hangs its name on Cardiff
16:55 | 25.03.10

By Laura Chesters

American restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday has signed up for a restaurant at St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff as the setting for its first restaurant in Western Europe.

The casual dining chain, with 900 restaurants globally, is expanding into Europe and will open a 7,000 sq ft restaurant at Eastside in St David’s. The rent was undisclosed.

Joanne Skilton at Capital Shopping Centres on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “Ruby Tuesday choosing St David’s for its first restaurant in Western Europe signifies the shopping centre’s strength as a destination and its appeal to visitors to Cardiff.”

Gary and Stephen Mayo bought the franchise for Ruby Tuesday in the UK. Gary Mayo said: “Ruby Tuesday is a strong restaurant concept that has successfully exported its brand and differentiates itself from other American chains in the marketplace.”

The letting agents for St David’s are E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield. E J Hales represented the Ruby Tuesday franchisee.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3160781&c=1

St David's attracts American restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday to the UK

Published: 25 March, 2010

American restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday has chosen St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff for its first outlet in the UK and in Western Europe as a whole.

The casual dining chain, which offers a high-end quality menu, will open a 7,000-sq ft restaurant at Eastside: St David’s fully let, late night dining quarter.

Joanne Skilton of St David’s Partnership, a joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities, said: “Ruby Tuesday choosing St David’s for its first restaurant in Western Europe signifies the shopping centre’s strength as a destination and its appeal to visitors to Cardiff. The exciting mix of new and traditional, international and local restaurants will ensure St David’s remains unique in its catchment.”

Gary and Stephen Mayo are the two entrepreneurs who have bought the franchise that will bring Ruby Tuesday to the UK. Gary Mayo said: “Ruby Tuesday is a strong restaurant concept that has successfully exported its brand and differentiates itself from other American chains in the marketplace.

"St David’s provides us with a great location for the UK launch of the restaurant as the new centre is attracting visitors from all over the UK. With Cardiff likely to become one of the top five shopping destinations in the United Kingdom, we will benefit from the footfall likely to be achieved on the back of it.”

The letting agents for St David’s are E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield. E J Hales represented the Ruby Tuesday franchisee.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3434/St_David_s_attracts_American_restaurant_chain_Ruby_Tuesday_to_the_UK.html

Andrew

March 26th, 2010, 05:26 PM

That night pic makes me think that the car park ramp would be best utilised by wrapping a really big Piccadilly Circus type TV screen around it. Then they could get rid of the one that has so defaced St Davids Hall. Then they can show the 2012 Olympics on it and put loads of seating in the public square for people to watch instead of blocking the Hayes.

Andrew

March 26th, 2010, 05:50 PM

You know what, I've been thinking about this more while I've been posting the above comment on the other forum, and I really like the idea!

For day to day use, they could use the screen for showing BBC programmes, adverts and trailers of movies being screened in the cinema. Money for the screen would come from the advertising revenue and a regular contribution from the cinema, in addition to a government grant to cover the public service role provided by the BBC (or whoever).

Beyond the day to day use, something like this could be utilised to great effect for big events such as the Olympics. But not only them, there should be outdoor movie screenings in the evenings in the summer, and could form part of a proper film festival.

I reckon we should campaign for this to be done. It would kill a number of birds with one stone. Firstly, it would cover up the awful looking car park ramp. Secondly, it would allow the awful looking telly to be removed from St Davids Hall. Finally, it would bring significant benefits to this area - liven up the square and make it a focal point, give the city another good place for outdoor events, benefit businesses such as the cinema, SD2, the CIA etc., and it would raise the profile of the city (there's nowhere else in the country quite like Piccadilly Circus, and they don't even use the screens in Piccadilly Circus for anything other than advertising).

cardiff

March 27th, 2010, 03:22 AM

I like the idea, the only objection is that any media about the square would give a bad impresion of Cardiffs built form. lets just hope the raport site is a good looking design. Personally i thought the best area for a media screened area would be the bottom of st marys street (ie sports cafe hotel).

DaiB

March 27th, 2010, 03:57 AM

The key with attracting advertisers though is people to advertise TO, and in urban terms this means footfall or traffic. Not sure Eastside Square really cuts it in either sense yet.

Andrew

March 28th, 2010, 02:28 AM

The key with attracting advertisers though is people to advertise TO, and in urban terms this means footfall or traffic. Not sure Eastside Square really cuts it in either sense yet.
Yet... But if Admiral do end up building their headquarters across the square, then that'll increase. When you add that together with people using the CIA, the cinema, SD2, and the affordable housing element of SD2, the footfall won't be insignificant. Also bear in mind that everyone driving into SD2 car park would be driving in right underneath the screen, so it's not just the footfall from pedestrians that would be significant - it could also be a real advert for SD2, providing a proper impressive entrance for anyone arriving by car instead of feeling like they're just driving round the back. I'm sure some public funds would be needed, but advertising revenue could probably pay part of the cost of installation and pay for operation of it.

DaiB

March 28th, 2010, 06:27 PM

It's a very appealing proposition I agree. Now who do we have to poke with a stick to make it happen?

cardiff

March 28th, 2010, 07:45 PM

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/susananstiss/lrg_83690_1262362802.jpg

Barafundle

March 28th, 2010, 09:05 PM

Great photo. The Hayes is a superb place to take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Andrew

March 29th, 2010, 04:03 AM

Wow! Awesome shot there Cardiff!

flange

April 7th, 2010, 02:23 PM

Hollister open first Welsh store

Posted by Editor

07/04/2010 08:06:39

Cardiff

Welsh shoppers will be treated to a taste of California from tomorrow (8th April) as Hollister are due to open their doors in St David's. The new shop will be Hollister's 11th UK store and their first in Wales.

Hollister will continue to increase their UK presence with another store opening next week, when the Newcastle store is due to open within the extension at Eldon Square.

The new store at St David's is located on the Upper Level opposite the Apple store.

http://www.myretailtherapist.com/default.asp?id=722&ver=1

DaiB

April 18th, 2010, 01:09 AM

Bellini and TGI Friday now moved in to Eastside, which has improved the appearance of the exterior considerably:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/ES100041701.jpg

flange

April 26th, 2010, 08:36 PM

St David's welcomes Wales' first standalone Pandora store

23 April, 2010

Jewellery wholesaler Pandora will open it's first standalone shop in Wales at St David's, Cardiff this summer.

T&E Ferris will open the 1,097-sq ft store at St David's Centre, which has seen 20 million visitors since its opening in October 2009 - a 70 per cent year-on-year rise for the expanded centre.

Kamigata is also opening a 2,518-sq ft Aveda salon and spa offering exclusive Aveda products and treatments, taking the new centre to over 90 stores.

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres, on behalf of St David’s Partnership (the JV between CSC and Land Securities) said: “Pandora and Kamigata further enhance St David’s quality retail mix. The recent opening of Hollister was one of the most successful opening days ever for the brand and we are delighted that the centre is attracting more and more shoppers to Cardiff. We will be announcing more new names in the next few weeks – it’s a very exciting time”

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Stephen Kane & Co represented Pandora and Kamigata represented themselves.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3488/St_David_s_welcomes_Wales__first_standalone_Pandora_store.html

flange

May 14th, 2010, 05:05 PM

Republic upsizes at St David’s

12 May, 2010

Republic is to open a new store at St David’s, Cardiff. The fashion chain’s trading success from its existing St David’s shop, has led to it upsizing into a new double-fronted 12,500-sq ft store.

The new Republic shop will sit alongside H&M on the upper level and opposite New Look. Shopper visits to the expanded St David’s have grown by 70% year on year and more than 20 million people have visited since its October 2009 opening

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres, on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “Republic and other great names including Karen Millen, Guess, Jane Norman and the recently opened Hollister have ensured that St David’s has become Wales’ prime fashion destination; there are still more exciting names to be announced. Our visitor numbers have been truly amazing and the feedback from our retail partners is excellent.”

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Kenney Moore represented Republic.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3519/Republic_upsizes_at_St_David_92s.html

Kiwitaff

May 15th, 2010, 03:35 AM

liamcymro

May 15th, 2010, 09:30 PM

Good afternoon all.
Just joined the site and I'm completely blown away by the pics of Cardiff. I left 20 odd yrs ago to go to NZ. Born in old St Davids hospital, Cowbridge RD.
I'm writing my life history and i am stuck. I attended the Cardiff National sea training school in 1965, that was situated at the top end of the old West dock and was accessed by Collingdon Rd. Next to what used to be the scenic department workshops for either HTV or BBC, and next to the old feeder canal , which had an old stone arched bridge over it.
Ive been looking for information on the school or even the West dock . But nothing comes up, its almost as if the places never existed.
Can anybody please help. Where have they gone ???

kiwitaff

Collingdon Road is now known as Lloyd George Avenue - Google Maps (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Lloyd+George+Ave,+Butetown,+Cardiff+CF10+4,+United+Kingdom&sll=51.476358,-3.131618&sspn=0.047578,0.154324&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FYNfEQMdcqjP_w&split=0&hq=&hnear=Lloyd+George+Ave,+Butetown,+Cardiff+CF10+4,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=15)

It was suppose to be a 'continental-style boulevard' - but at the moment it looks like nothing special is going to happen there.

Lyndon

May 16th, 2010, 12:12 AM

Hi Kiwitaff, West Bute Dock was filled in in 1969 I believe, as the surrounding walls were in danger of collapse. It is now built over by the Atlantic Wharf housing development. The only recognisable bit that remains is the oval basin, which was also filled in and is now Roald Dahl Plass.

I think the whole area was pretty comprehensively demolished in the 70s, about the only old buildings I can think of are the Edward England warehouse, which has been converted into apartments and a couple of large warehouses on Schooner Way, one of which is now a Novotel.

Best to have a look on Google Street View and see if you recognise anything.

Kiwitaff

May 16th, 2010, 05:47 AM

Thank you Liamcymro & Lyndon for your help and fast reply.
Ive managed to work out where the sea school was. It was opposite the Edward England potato importers warehouse some 75m south of it.The dock curved round, narrowed to a canal , that went under Collindon Rd(Lloyd George Ave)via an old stone humpback bridge and connected up at one time to the Glamorgan canal. To the right of Edward England warehouse( looking north) is the old feeder that came off the Taff river around the back of the castle , down what was Churchill way, past Gilford Cres baths (where Ive worked )and then into the West dock. Sorry for the rambles of my memory.
Thank you both once again.
Geoff (Ex of Ely, Llanishen ,Lisvane and Rudry.)

DaiB

July 3rd, 2010, 06:46 PM

A few shots of the completed Eastside. In need of rain!

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/100703ES01.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/100703ES02.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/100703ES03.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg51/DaiB_photo/100703ES04.jpg

cardiff

July 3rd, 2010, 07:01 PM

Looks a bit poor! Even down to the lack of watering of the grass! Whens the artwork going to apear on the car park as well!?

flange

July 19th, 2010, 02:02 PM

New USC design to be unveiled at St David's

19 July, 2010

Branded fashion retailer USC is set to roll out its new store format at St.David's, Cardiff in October

The new format, already successfully adopted at the Metro Centre, will bring an entirely new look to St.David's with a striking emphasis on denim and footwear as well as male and female fashion.

The 9,621-sq ft store will offer major brands including including Diesel, G-Star, Replay, Adidas and many more.

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres, on behalf of the St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “Fashion retailing at St David’s has grown extensively over the past year and USC will add a valuable new dimension to the fashion mix on the upper level. We are also looking forward to seeing USC’s new store innovation come to life.”

Lunson Mitchenall, Cushman & Wakefield and EJ Hales advise Capital Shopping Centres; CBRE advised USC.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3690/New_USC_design_to_be_unveiled_at_St_David_s.html

cardiff

August 2nd, 2010, 04:11 PM

regarding the car park being left bare, do you think this was the initial idea fro the art work on it? (this from the shanghai expo)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/4852370497_cfb5530094_b.jpg

could be a play on their logo

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/sanstiss/st-davids-centre-logo-2.jpg

Wouldnt be too expensive and back lit could look nice at night, hell of alot better than the chicken wire there at the moment

cardiff

August 5th, 2010, 11:54 AM

right i give up! bye skyscrapercity cardiff thread

Gherkin

August 5th, 2010, 12:40 PM

That cineworld façade is hideous! Why on earth does it look like that? At least it's well lit: http://www.irisprize.org/resource/10356.10922.file.eng.jpg but cinema buildings don't need that much glass, and for no apparent reason, it looks like the architect once googled a picture of a traditional building in the far east and tried to copy it.

The car park's more sensible. Cover it in balls, why the hell not!

DaiB

August 5th, 2010, 09:13 PM

Really? I've always rather liked it. Quirky. And the view is great as you go up the escalators and from the bar at the top.

And the car park is absolutely hideous. Staggers me that it got through planning in its finished state.

Lyndon

August 6th, 2010, 09:49 AM

The "Shoal" LED artwork is being installed in the carpark this autumn, according to the St Davids Facebook crew.

DaiB

August 6th, 2010, 09:14 PM

That's promising news. Although I'll be interested to see if it makes much difference during the day when the car park is after all at its most offensive.

DaiB

August 12th, 2010, 03:24 PM

Well, the appearance of the car park may become rather a moot point shortly with the Admiral HQ being built directly in front of it!

Quay

August 12th, 2010, 05:25 PM

I was surprised nobody had mentioned the Admiral HQ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-10932352) yet! Is this the first bespoke corporate headquarters ever built in Wales?

DaiB

August 12th, 2010, 10:25 PM

^^ Not sure. There's Atradius (formally NCM) in Cardiff Bay which was purpose built as the corporate HQ, but this may be just the UK arm.

I would say it's certainly the largest purpose built corporate HQ in Wales though.

flange

August 27th, 2010, 01:07 PM

Clas Ohlson signs for two new stores in UK

27 August, 2010

Clas Ohlson is to open stores in Chapelfield Norwich and St David's in Cardiff

In Norwich, the Swedish homewares retailer has taken the lower level of the former Borders store, totalling 17,000 sq ft. Owner Capital Shopping Centres is also reported to be in negotiations with an occupier for the upper level, of the former bookstore. Clas Ohlson plans to open in December 2010.

The second new store will be located in the St David's shopping centre in Cardiff. The 17,650-sq ft store is also scheduled to open in December 2010. Clas Ohlson has already announced that another UK branch will open at Merry Hill in Dudley befor ethe end of 2010.

The company expects to be trading from 10 UK sites by the end of the 2010-11 financial year.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3781/Clas_Ohlson_signs_for_two_new_stores_in_UK.html

http://www.clasohlson.co.uk/

Lyndon

August 27th, 2010, 10:03 PM

Looks a bit like Wilkinsons' to be honest.

Still, I'm sure it will be cooler and much, much more Swedish.:lol:

DaiB

August 29th, 2010, 07:39 PM

A homeware store would be great for the centre of Cardiff. After all, it's not the best place to be if you suddenly remember you need to buy a lightbulb...

Barafundle

September 21st, 2010, 05:20 PM

I was with a group of overseas visitors last week from Japan who commented that they thought the shopping centre as 'very civilised' and 'light'. Not being much of a shopper I never noticed this aspect of the centre before but on walking through earlier I can see their point, it is actually a nice place to be.

flange

September 22nd, 2010, 10:00 PM

Pia Jewellery to join St David’s

20/09/2010

Pia Jewellery will bring an extra sparkle to St David’s, Cardiff when it opens its newest store at Wales’ premier shopping centre.

The stylish jewellery retailer will open its 1,464 sq ft store in the centre’s ground floor Cathedral Walk area, what has become a prime jewellery and accessory destination in Cardiff, with Ernest Jones, Crouch the Goldsmiths and Swarovski all nearby.

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “This particular area on the ground floor of St David’s has become renowned for its excellent jewellery and accessory offering, and Pia will be a valuable addition to this growing line up of something for everyone, from Claire’s Accessories to Ernest Jones”.

The St David’s store is part of a wider expansion plan for Pia as it currently has eight stores around the country with two more to open in Bromely and Chester.

Lunson Mitchenall, Cushman & Wakefield and EJ Hales are the agents for St David’s. The tenant was self represented.

http://www.porterfield.co.uk/2010/09/pia-jewellery-to-join-st-davids/

http://www.piajewellery.com/

JamesWales

September 22nd, 2010, 11:31 PM

A homeware store would be great for the centre of Cardiff. After all, it's not the best place to be if you suddenly remember you need to buy a lightbulb...

Cardiff Market has everything!

Cambo_Dai

September 28th, 2010, 01:22 AM

Has Capital Shopping Centres messed up?

http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/files/page/62558/Cardiff_Leasing_Plan_08.09.10.pdf

A leasing plan dated the 8th of September has appeared on their website and it shows a number of stores their team won't yet talk about officially including Dwell, Pumpkin Patch, Jo Malone, Basler, Bijou Brigette. No new fashion names though, although there are units under offer but not named.

Interesting additions are a large Barclays for the old Gilesports unit (following a trend of large posher branches in major locations like Piccadilly), and a large asian restaurant "Red Hot World Buffet", which continues the trend for buffet restaurants.

flange

October 6th, 2010, 04:19 PM

^^ The letting plans are not a mistake, they are just newer letting plans, as they are usually released every 6 months or so for each shopping centre that CSC own, Also new letting plans have been released on their website now dates as October 2010.

http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/files/page/62558/SD12_Lower_Plan_website.pdf

http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/files/page/62558/SD2_Upper_Plan___website.pdf

Springfield to open at St David’s, Cardiff

05/10/2010

Spanish owned retailer Grupo Cortifiel, will see one of the first UK stores for its well known fashion brand Springfield open at St David’s, Cardiff in mid October.

Brand Empire, Land Securities’ retail subsidiary, announced earlier this year that it would bring three of the Grupo Cortifiel brands to the UK – Cortifiel, Springfield and Woman’s Secret. One of the first locations for the Springfield brand will be a 3,026 sq ft store in Lower Grand Arcade at St David’s, Wales’ premier shopping centre. The brand will be well positioned amongst other fashion brands Cult, Quicksilver and Karen Millen.

Sanjay Sharma, CEO Brand Empire, said: “We are extremely excited to bring one of Europe’s most renowned and successful fashion brands, available in more the 47 countries around the world, to the UK.
We consider St David’s to be a key location for one of our first UK stores as it is an excellent centre in a top UK retail city – a perfect platform to showcase Springfield.”

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “The Springfield brand will greatly enhance the cosmopolitan fashion mix that we have created at St David’s, and as one of the brand’s first stores in the UK we are confident that the centre will deliver as an excellent retail location.”

Springfield, the contemporary men and woman’s fashion label will also open in Leeds, One New Change London, and Livingston Scotland. Locations for Grupo Cortifiel’s other brands, Cortifiel and Woman’s Secret, are still to be announced.

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for
St David’s. The tenant was self represented.

http://www.porterfield.co.uk/2010/10/springfield-to-open-at-st-davids-cardiff/

http://spf.com/

Cambo_Dai

October 7th, 2010, 02:07 PM

But the new plans do not include names - whilst the September plans did. Which makes me think they didn't mean to include them, particularly given they are usually so secretive about giving names out for stores who are in negotiations.

tripleseis

October 13th, 2010, 08:35 PM

Finally got to have a look around Cardiff on Saturday and my the place looks so much better now. The new mall interior is very nice and it's great to see they've put a new roof on the old part of St David's as well. The Hayes is bursting with life now, and the new library is a great building, with lots of natural light and a stunning vista up towards the castle. The cafe quarter/David Morgan area feels like a nice European square now line with places to eat and drink outside. Oh, the John Lewis building is bloody good as well!!

The one thing I really liked about the development was the fact how it has open areas which now give you great views of buildings that you never had before, like the square opposite the Cineworld cinema which nows gives you clear view of the cinema and what a great bulding it is. Also round the back of the John Lewis you get a great vista of the Altolusso too.

The only bits I didn't like was the lack of decent architecture and surface of the public square near Cineworld (I can seriously see this being re-jigged in the future to make it more interesting) and I don't like the flats above the shopping centre. It looks like a prison more than somewhere to live. The windows are seriously too small and there's no really wow factor! I was expecting the flats to better externally each having a decent sized balcony. I imagine they wanted to squeeze as many in as possible. Their height is fine though.

Still overall, the city is better off for it!

(BTW - Cardiff Park & Ride buses are ****!!)

DaiB

October 14th, 2010, 08:42 AM

Well, the public square by Cineworld - pleasant though it is - is only a temporary feature, pending the construction of Admiral's new headquarters on top of it over the next couple of years!

flange

October 21st, 2010, 08:38 PM

Surge in fashion lettings at St David’s

20 October, 2010

A host of new fashion brands have joined St David’s, Cardiff in the run up to its first anniversary on 22 October

Gap will relocate from Queen Street to create a larger split-level 9,197-sq ft flagship store at St David’s, immediately adjacent to Apple, and close to Hollister and Guess on the Upper Level Grand Arcade.

Accessories retailer Bijou Brigette has taken as 1,221-sq ft store in Town Wall South to open its first store in Wales. La Senza’s new 3,547-sq ft store, near to New Look and Republic, will also be a flagship for the lingerie brand, and a relocation from Queens Arcade.

Officers Club, the men’s fashion retailer which targets the 16-30 year old market, is set to open a 2,615-sq ft store in the centre’s Town Wall South on 22 October as part of a wider expansion plan for the business. Following on from its successful launch at Lakeside Shopping Centre in September, this is the latest of nine new store openings for Officers Club.

And David & Goliath, the quirky apparel and accessory brand operated by Siesta Clothing, has taken a 2,000-sq ft store for its Stupid Factory concept in the centre’s Lower Grand Arcade. Currently trading from 16 locations worldwide, this will be its fifth UK store. Managing director Christian Stewart said: “Cardiff is a great city in which to open a David & Goliath store, and St David’s ticks all the right boxes. We’re sure we are going to be a great addition to the centre.”

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres, on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “We have ensured store locations are in line with each brand, for example Town Wall South is the ideal location for Officers Club, close to other fashion retailers in a high footfall area, and David & Goliath is in keeping with the fun and funky retail mix in the Lower Arcade. The positioning of Gap also ties in with the retail mix strategy to cluster “US-style young fashion brands” in this location.”

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Gap and Officers Club were self represented; Stuart Donald acted for David & Goliath; Cushman & Wakefield represented Bijou Brigette and MMX Retail acted for La Senza.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3908/Surge_in_fashion_lettings_at_St_David_92s.html

flange

October 27th, 2010, 02:36 PM

Land Securities signs Yoomoo in Leeds and Cardiff

26 October, 2010

Land Securities is rolling out new frozen yoghurt brand Yoomoo across its UK malls

A Yoomoo mall kiosk opened at St David’s earlier this month with a similar site at the White Rose Shopping Centre nearing completion. The new UK brand was launched to replicate the success of similar frozen yoghurt brands across the US, where the market is now worth $718m.

After launching in Harrods, the regional roll out represents a significant expansion for Yoomoo as it is introduced at Cardiff St Davids and White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds.

Jo Morris, Land Securities' head of commercialisation said: “Yoomoo promises to add significant value to our retail assets by attracting families who want a healthy, dietary food option and offering a new lifestyle destination.

“It is a category that is set for expansion and a brand that holds significant promise for all consumers. Frozen yoghurt is a relatively new concept for the UK, although it has been established and hugely popular in other countries for many years because of its role as a zero fat alternative to other snacks.”

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3921/Land_Securities_signs_Yoomoo_in_Leeds_and_Cardiff__.html

http://www.doyoomoo.com/

flange

October 27th, 2010, 05:30 PM

Cadbury Cocoa House in talks over St David’s opening

Oct 19 2010

Rhodri Evans, South Wales Echo

A NEW chain of cocoa houses bearing the Cadbury name is in discussions to open at the St David’s Centre in Cardiff.

A total of up to 60 Cadbury Cocoa Houses are being introduced across the UK, following the opening of its first store in the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent today.

The firm’s Welsh chief executive David Morris is keen to open a number of venues in Wales and confirmed the company was exploring an opening in the Cardiff mall next year.

The company is hoping to create 3,500 jobs across Wales with a nationwide chain.

Mr Morris and business partner Marilyn Newman approached Cadbury with their concept five years ago. The chocolate firm had trialled a cocoa house in Bath in 2000, but without success, and a deal was done to licence the Cadbury name for 20 years.

Mr Morris said it was important to have the Cadbury name.

“Cadbury is a great British brand,” he said. “Whatever age you are, you associate chocolate with Cadbury in the UK and what we have tried to do is build on that great British heritage.”

The new cocoa houses are tapping into a thick vein of nostalgia. They will feature hot and chilled chocolate drinks and a menu created with the help of Welsh restaurateur and food critic Simon Wright.

The menu will change throughout the day, with items ranging from traditional afternoon tea to bacon butties and knickerbocker glories.

But it will all be quintessentially British.

“Wherever possible we’ve insisted on using local producers to keep the concept British,” said Mr Morris. “You won’t find French, Italian or American items on the menu.”

As for the venues themselves they will feature leather booths with white faux-chocolate buttons, a 30ft ice cream bar and a feature fireplace.

With the Cadbury brand it is hoped the business will have a broad appeal to consumers.

“Everybody needs that break and chocolate is known to lift spirits and I would like to think we can prosper,” said Mr Morris.

“What all our data has shown us is that the UK will support between 50 and 60 stores of the concept we have got. We are aiming to get that many open in five years’ time. The other main point is that in this economic climate we’ve created just over 100 new jobs already and we are looking to create 3,500 jobs in the four to five-year period.”

If Cadbury Cocoa House does take a lease at St David’s it will join a host of other cafe businesses at the popular centre, including Cadwaladers ice cream cafe, Muffin Break and Soho Coffee.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/cardiffonline/cardiff-news/2010/10/19/cadbury-cocoa-house-in-talks-over-st-david-s-opening-91466-27497510/

flange

November 2nd, 2010, 09:28 PM

A New Fragrance for Wales

01/11/2010

Jo Malone will bring its luxurious fragrance and skin care collections to Cardiff when it opens at St David’s in late November. This will be the brand’s first store in Wales.

Jo Malone’s boutique store will be situated on The Hayes at St David’s, on the curve of Tredegar Street between Leia Lingerie and LK Bennett. The 1,232 sq ft shop will stock innovative new products and limited editions as well as its much-loved fragrances and iconic Vitamin E skin care collection.

Jo Malone National Sales Director Jill Whitwell, said: “We have always received great support from Wales and we are very excited to be opening within the heart of the country. Both the city development and retail activity is buzzing at the moment and we are looking forward to establishing and growing the brand here.”

Joanne Skilton, of Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “As one of the UK’s most sought after fragrance brands we are delighted to welcome Jo Malone to St David’s and to Wales. It adds a special dimension to our comprehensive fragrance and skin care offering.”

E J Hales, Lunson Michenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Jo Malone was self represented.

http://www.porterfield.co.uk/2010/11/a-new-fragrance-for-wales/

flange

November 3rd, 2010, 03:53 PM

Lego are opening a store at St David's soon, in the unit inbetween 02 and Clas Ohlson.

http://stores.lego.com/en-us/Cardiff/LandingPage.aspx

flange

December 10th, 2010, 02:06 PM

Lego open their store at St David's today (10th December.)

http://stores.lego.com/en-us/Cardiff/LandingPage.aspx

Sir Gar

December 10th, 2010, 03:20 PM

Lego open their store at St David's today (10th December.)

http://stores.lego.com/en-us/Cardiff/LandingPage.aspx

Oh how i'd have loved there to have been a shop like that when I was about 7! :cry: :lol:

Seriously SD2 must be quite near being full now?

JamesWales

December 11th, 2010, 12:41 AM

Oh how i'd have loved there to have been a shop like that when I was about 7! :cry: :lol:

Seriously SD2 must be quite near being full now?

I'd say it's around 90% full. There are a few empty units upstairs by John Lewis, which is odd, as I'd have thought that a good location.

It's certainly 'full enough' that you don't notice the empty stores.

Recent days in this crisp cold weather have highlighted for me what a great development SD2 has been. The Hayes is just totally transformed.

david_gla

December 13th, 2010, 10:06 PM

Love how the Cineworld looks like is a mini version of Glasgow's!

Cardiff
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/susananstiss/4149445895_1765bd28be_o.jpg

Glasgow
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/the_boy_david/Cineworld.jpg

flange

December 22nd, 2010, 11:22 AM

Paphitis reveals plans for lingerie chain Boux Avenue

4 November, 2010

By Nicola Harrison

Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has revealed his new lingerie brand will be called Boux Avenue, and has outlined plans to open in top shopping centres including Manchester’s Trafford Centre, Sheffield’s Meadowhall and the Bullring in Birmingham.

http://www.retail-week.com/

Boux Avenue are now confirmed to be opening at St Davids in the new year, job applications are on their website now.

http://www.bouxavenue.com/jobs

flange

January 7th, 2011, 02:13 PM

^^

Theo Paphitis lingerie chain to open in March

7 January 2011

By Victoria Gallagher

Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has revealed the first stores for new lingerie chain Boux Avenue will open in March in shopping centres including the Trafford Centre and Bluewater.

The first Boux Avenue stores are now being fitted out in the Trafford Centre, Bluewater, Meadowhall, Lakeside, St David’s Centre and Buchanan Galleries. All will open in March.

Boux Avenue is positioned as mid market and will go up against high street retailer Marks & Spencer, department stores and lingerie retailer La Senza, which Paphitis used to own. Price points will range from £14 to £34 for a bra, and Paphitis has described it as “affordable luxury”. It will also offer a range of larger sizes up to G.

The lingerie will also be sold online at Bouxavenue.com.

http://www.drapersonline.com/

flange

February 1st, 2011, 02:36 PM

Paphitis chooses St David's for Boux debut

01 February, 2011

Theo Paphitis's new lingerie chain Boux Avenue is to open one of its first UK stores at St David’s, Cardiff, at the end of March

Boux Avenue will open a 2,771-sq ft store on the lower ground floor of St David’s, Cardiff at the same time as five other flagship stores in Manchester, Essex, Kent, Glasgow and Sheffield. Paphitis plans a chain of 30 stores in the first year.

Theo Paphitis, chairman, chief executive and owner of Boux Avenue said St David’s was a crucial location for the launch of the new concept. “St David’s is a key part of our strategy of opening in premier shopping centres across the UK. It covers a big swathe of the country and to open in Wales St David’s was the place to be,” he said.

The opening of Boux Avenue follows a series of high profile lettings in St David’s with the centre going from 81 stores trading in January 2010 to 116 at the year end after 37 new deals.

Joanne Skilton, retail and leasing director of Capital Shopping Centres, on behalf of St David’s Partnership, said: “The fact that such an exciting new retailer as Boux Avenue has chosen St David’s for one of its debut stores shows that St David’s really is top of retailers’ shopping lists. In fact after our recent spate of successful lettings the centre is proving so popular that we are now 81 per cent let and have only 12 units left to let.”

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Boux Avenue was represented by Jones Lang LaSalle.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4162/Paphitis_chooses_St_David_s_for_Boux_debut__.html

flange

March 1st, 2011, 02:42 PM

Three more sign at St David’s

01 March, 2011

St David’s in Cardiff has kept up the pace of lettings with three new deals

St David’s, owned by Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities, has upgraded its catering and convenience offers with three new deals.

The latest deal follows a series of high profile lettings in St David’s with the centre growing from 81 stores trading in January 2010 to 116 at the year-end after 37 new deals were exchanged.

Red Hot World Buffet & Bar will open a 10,274-sq ft unit restaurant comprising 8,498 sq ft at street level and 1,776 sq ft at upper level. The restaurant will be located on Hill Street, in an external unit opposite Debenhams and is due to open in the summer.

Retail giant Tesco is to open its Tesco Express format in a 4,083 sq ft store at the centre in an external unit on Tredegar Street opposite John Lewis.

And premium doughnut retailer Krispy Kreme is to open its first store in Wales, at St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff, after a Facebook campaign by local sweet toothed shoppers calling for them to open in the city.

Hundreds of fans left messages on St David’s own Facebook page asking for the retailer to open in St David’s, making the retailer the most requested brand that Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities have brought to Cardiff.

Krispy Kreme will open a 1,731-sq ft Coffee Bar on Town Wall, near to Pulp and Foot Asylum, in April.

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Red Hot World Buffet was represented by Lambert Smith Hampton and Krispy Kreme by Morgan Williams.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4230/Three_more_sign_at_St_David_92s__.html

cardiff

April 13th, 2011, 08:34 PM

Barrack Lane looking near complete

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/638/barrack1.jpg

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/1825/barrack2.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7839/barrack3.jpg

The whole quiality looks poor and i cant see it being used much

jantra

April 18th, 2011, 01:20 PM

Cardiff

re:barrack lane

I think we need to put this into context copared to what was there before. hopefully we will see little poundstretcher type shops and more unusual shops who lack the money for traditional city centre rentals but can now maybe afford to be there.

If the landlords on Churchill way can be persuaded to open up their buildings to face on to Barrack Lane in some way then it could we a bustling little city street. Cardiff needs more alternative streets that actually thrive. This could work.

flange

April 21st, 2011, 07:47 PM

Forever 21 livens up two UK cities

21 April 2011 | By Kat Baker

US brand continues expansion with shops in Liverpool and Cardiff

US value fashion retailer Forever 21 is to open stores in Liverpool and Cardiff as part of its ambitious UK expansion. The retailer (pictured) will take an entire 46,000 sq ft five-floor shop at Royal London Asset Management’s proposed 1-5 Church Street and 12-14 Whitechapel scheme in Liverpool.

The property is opposite the north-east corner of Grosvenor’s Liverpool One scheme, which opened in 2008. The development has been designed in conjunction with Forever 21’s in-house San Francisco-based architects.

Royal London is preparing to submit plans for the scheme. Vacant possession of the existing building on the site will be secured at the end of the year once the remaining tenants have left, which will enable it to be demolished in early 2012. The store will open in 2013.

It is thought the retailer will sign for the store over Easter. Royal London’s Scottish Life Unit Linked Fund bought the building in 2006 for around £24.7m.In Cardiff, Forever 21 is understood to be in advanced talks to take a 50,000 sq ft unit at Capital Shopping Centres’ and Land Securities’ St David’s Shopping Centre, for its first store in Wales.

It is thought two large units are being put together to accommodate the retailer in a three-level store, which will open next year. Earlier this month, Forever 21 confirmed it would open a 25,000 sq ft shop at Bluewater in the second half of 2012.

In March it signed a prelet for a 60,000 sq ft anchor store at Land Securities’ Atlas retail development in Glasgow for its Scotland debut. It opened its first UK store last November at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. Forever 21 is coveted by landlords, as its affordable fashion draws in large numbers of younger shoppers.

Jones Lang LaSalle, Harmer Ray Hoffbrand and Jackson Criss advise Royal London; Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the leasing agents at St David’s in Cardiff; Harper Dennis Hobbs advises Forever 21.

All parties declined to comment.

http://www.propertyweek.com/

flange

June 2nd, 2011, 01:37 PM

Two more signings at St David's

02 June, 2011

Toy retailer Hawkin’s Bazaar and health and beauty retailer eCosway are to open stores in St David’s in Cardiff

Hawkin’s Bazaar will open a 1,898-sq ft store at 7 St David’s Way adjacent to a new flagship store for Barclays Bank. And health and beauty retailer eCosway will open a 1,419-sq ft unit in 11 Cathedral Walk, adjacent to Claire’s Accessories.

The company, which has more than 1,700 stores across the world, is backed by the Malaysian Berjaya Group which also holds a majority shareholding in Cardiff City Football club. eCosway plans up to 200 stores in the UK in the next two to three years and 100 this year alone. eCosway opened its first UK stores last month in Birmingham and London.

Joanne Skilton, retail and leasing director of Capital Shopping Centres on behalf of the St David’s Partnership, said: “It’s great news that 18 months after unveiling the extension of St David’s, we are still introducing new and exciting retailers to Cardiff.”

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Hawkin’s Bazaar was represented by Williams Gunter Hardwick while eCosway represented itself.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4434/Two_more_signings_at_St_David_s__.html

flange

June 5th, 2011, 05:16 PM

Another Abercrombie brand coming to St Davids, Gilly Hicks will be opening their second store in the UK at St Davids on the upper mall next to Monsoon.

http://uk.gillyhicks.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreView?storeId=16609&catalogId=11555&langId=-1

Planning application has gone in for store signage.

http://planning.cardiff.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_CARDIFF_DCAPR_96288

How the store may look, this is the Westfield London store.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNCfMm9ECxY/TeILY-ofmVI/AAAAAAAAAPE/IvalMhyuMH8/s1600/DSC04695.JPG
Image from http://houseofpaulinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/06/feature-friday-gilly-hicks.html

cardiff

June 5th, 2011, 09:04 PM

I really dont think they should be allowed to build a frontage like that inside a mall, just looks tacky and cheap, despite probably costing alot of money. The architecture of the 'grand arcade' should not be compromised by this madness.

DaiB

June 5th, 2011, 09:12 PM

Why not? It already has been by the Hollister store (another Abercrombie brand) which looks almost identical. At least this will give it a companion piece.

flange

June 6th, 2011, 02:18 PM

Cath Kidston to open first store in Wales

6 June 2011

By Kat Baker

Cath Kidston will open its first standalone shop in Wales with a store at St David’s, the joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Land Securities.

The retailer will open a 2,552 sq ft store on the lower ground of The Hayes at St David’s, close to Jo Malone and L.K.Bennett.

Cath Kidston currently has 40 stores and concessions across the UK and two in Ireland as well as stores in Japan and Korea.

Jo Staveley, Cath Kidston brand director, said: “As the city’s leading shopping and leisure destination, St David’s is a buzzing location and gives us a great opportunity to retail our whole range to the local customer.”

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Cath Kidston was represented by Michael Peddar & Co.

http://www.propertyweek.com/

cardiff

June 6th, 2011, 05:33 PM

Thats my point, i think hollisters also clashes with its surroundings and is a confusion of two ideas IMO, either you are in a modern mall or your 'old style frontage' that you are trying to say is a stand alone building apears twee and pastiche IMO (disney esque).

Cambo_Dai

June 7th, 2011, 11:38 AM

I agree with Cardiff. I think the frontages look out of place inside malls and from an aesthetic point of view, I'd rather they stuck with something a bit more restrained. But commercially it probably is successful - instantly identifiable and means going to the store becomes more an experience than just shopping from their target market.

If Hamleys opens opposite Gilly Hicks it will be interesting to see what kind of store front they go for. I think their store in Glasgow has a very modern and sleek frontage. I still think the brand image of Hamleys would go better with a standalone store.

flange

June 7th, 2011, 02:09 PM

This is what the Hamleys Glasgow store looks like.

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/3877/hamleysglasgow.jpg

DaiB

June 7th, 2011, 11:09 PM

Oh, I don't like it. I just think it's a bit of a barn-door-horse-bolted situation what with Hollister already being there!

flange

July 8th, 2011, 11:38 AM

Baci debuts in St Davids

08 July, 2011

Miami-based lingerie brand Baci is to launch its first UK store at St David’s Cardiff

Baci Lingerie will take a store in Cathedral Walk trading from 1,023 sq ft, close to The Perfume Shop and new health and beauty retailer E-Cosway which opened last month. It will be the first of 50 stores planned for the brand across the UK.

The arrival of Baci Lingerie follows the opening of Boux Avenue in April which also chose St David’s for one of its debut stores, and Calvin Klein Underwear which opened in the centre in March.

Baci announced in February that it was to open in the UK and had partnered with distribution partner ABS to establish Baci Lingerie UK.

Joanne Skilton, retail and leasing director of CSC London, on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities said: “Underwear is a category that trades particularly well at St David’s Cardiff. We are delighted to welcome yet another new retailer to Cardiff especially as they are using St David’s as their UK launch site.”

Baci joins a quality lingerie line-up that as well as Boux Avenue includes specialist retailers La Senza and Leia, alongside M&S and John Lewis who both also offer an extensive underwear range.

E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents for St David’s. Baci Lingerie represented itself.

http://shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4519/Baci_debuts_in_St_Davids__.html

JamesWales

July 8th, 2011, 02:21 PM

http://shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4519/Baci_debuts_in_St_Davids__.html

I feel quite proud that underwear trades so well in Cardiff.

flange

August 2nd, 2011, 03:26 PM

Ed's Easy Diner to open first store outside of M25

28 July 2011

EASY DINER TO OPEN FIRST RESTAURANT OUTSIDE OF M25

Ed’s Easy Diner is to open its first restaurant outside of the M25 at St David’s in Cardiff, the centre jointly owned by Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) and Land Securities.

It will open a 1,669 sq ft restaurant within the Eastside catering offer at St David’s which already boasts a range of exciting offers designed to satisfy hungry shoppers in the centre. The new restaurant will open in September and feature 70 internal covers set in the 1950’s décor the chain is famed for.

Ed’s Easy Diner opened its first store in Soho in London nearly twenty five years ago bringing 1950’s American culture to the UK and has since expanded its concept in London and the surrounding areas. It opened in Lakeside, also owned by CSC in July last year.

Joanne Skilton, retail and leasing director of CSC London, on behalf of St David’s Partnership, the joint venture between CSC and Land Securities, said: “Ed’s Easy Diner is a great dining concept that already trades very well in our Lakeside centre and we are sure that it will prove as popular within St David’s. It further extends an already very successful and diverse catering offer within St David’s that later this year will also include Red Hot World Buffet.”

Andrew Guy, operations director at Ed’s Easy Diner, said: “We are delighted to be opening in Cardiff’s magnificent St David’s shopping centre; our first diner in Wales and outside of the south east of England. The city’s already burgeoning culinary scene and an ever increasing public demand for a quality fast-casual dining experience means this is an exciting task.”

The letting agents for St David’s are E J Hales, Lunson Mitchenall and Cushman & Wakefield. Ed’s Easy Diner was represented by Cooke & Arkwright.

http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/news/csc_news/?id=100241

Cambo_Dai

August 2nd, 2011, 06:42 PM

Unofficially, River Island are opening a new store. Vans and North Face are also opening Cardiff stores but not sure, as yet, if this is in St Davids.

craig lindsay

August 18th, 2011, 11:31 PM

Cath Kidston is the latest brand to join the line up at St David's which is its first store in Wales.

The distinctive British lifestyle brand has opened on The Hayes, joining neighbours such as Jo Malone, Leia Lingerie, Jamie's Italian and LK Bennett.

The new store has a retro 1950s feel and feature a focal display area filled with Welsh holiday memorabilia collated over the years. St David's is Cath Kidston's 44th store to open in the UK and Ireland and the brand's first in Wales.

Jo Staveley, brand director for Cath Kidston, said: "We are delighted to have secured our first permanent location in Wales, having been keen to open a shop for some time. As the city's leading shopping and leisure destination, St David's is a buzzing location and gives us a great opportunity to retail our whole range to the local customer."

The shop stocks the full Cath Kidston range from home furnishings, fabrics and wallpaper to kitchenware, must-have fashion and accessories and a great children's and baby range. The brand is best known for its witty, vintage inspired prints and wide array of household and fashion products. Founded by its namesake in 1993, Cath Kidston is one of the most influential and original design companies to emerge from the UK in recent years.

Steven Madeley, centre director for St David's which is jointly owned by Land Securities and Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), said: "Cath Kidston is an iconic British brand and a fantastic name to join us at St David's. The look and feel of the store really stand out on The Hayes and they've added a distinct Welsh identity thanks to the Welsh holiday memorabilia it will display in store. We're sure it will be a popular shop with our shoppers."

http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/News-and-Offers/Latest-News/Latest-News/