Cardiff City Centre Is Evolving to Meet New Expectations

The face of Cardiff city centre is changing. Once known primarily as a shopping destination or a hub for evening drinking, the city is evolving into a vibrant space that better reflects the needs and desires of both residents and visitors.  

As Executive Director of the city’s business improvement district FOR Cardiff, I’m seeing how this shift is breathing new life into the capital, and I believe it’s just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. 

The retail landscape has faced significant challenges in recent years. The closure of major department stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser has forced cities to rethink how they use these vast spaces. Cardiff is leading the way in innovative redevelopment. The old Debenhams site, for example, is being transformed into a city square – a £17 million investment by Landsec. This new square will feature play areas, a splash pad, and open spaces for events like markets and street food festivals. It’s a bold move, shifting from purely commercial use to a space designed for families and community gatherings. 

Similarly, the redevelopment of the historic Howells building is another example of Cardiff’s forward-thinking approach. Retaining the building’s heritage façades while creating a mixed-use site is a significant step towards preserving the character of the city. With a focus on biophilic design and public spaces, the project highlights how modern development can balance history and innovation. 

Independent businesses and micro-enterprises are also playing a key role in Cardiff’s transformation. Cardiff Market has become a vibrant hub for micro-businesses, offering entrepreneurs a place to test their ideas and connect with the community. Initiatives like the City of Arcades weekend, which helped kickstart Christmas last year, saw footfall in the market increase by 71%. This really serves to highlight the growing demand for different and truly local experiences. 

Food and drink innovation is another area where Cardiff excels. Consumers are increasingly seeking experiential dining and low- or no-alcohol options. Venues like Flight Club, which combines darts with a social atmosphere, have thrived in the city. In fact, Cardiff’s Flight Club is the most successful branch outside London, proving that when businesses cater to changing consumer preferences, the results can be outstanding. 

This focus on experiential offerings extends to hospitality as well. Outdoor spaces, innovative menus, and engaging activities are becoming the norm, reflecting a broader shift in how people want to spend their time in the city. 

Cardiff’s ability to adapt and innovate is what sets it apart. The city is no longer defined solely by its retail or nightlife; it’s becoming a place where culture, history, and community come together to create something truly special. 

We hope that having a Labour administration in Westminster and in Cardiff Bay will bring further benefits in terms of investment to Cardiff. The UK Government Budget made it clear that 2025 will be a very challenging for businesses, and we are lobbying for any relief offered by government policies to make a significant difference, particularly for hospitality, leisure and retail. This can only be done via enhanced collaboration between the two governments and a joined-up approach to stimulate real economic growth in Wales. 

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Cardiff is embracing change in all the right ways. From heritage redevelopment to independent retail and cutting-edge food and drink experiences, the city is positioning itself as a leader in urban evolution. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and ensure that Cardiff remains a destination that captures the imagination of everyone who visits or calls it home.