The property developers behind some of Wales’s most celebrated regeneration projects—including Goodsheds in Barry, Newport Market, Swansea’s Albert Hall and Cardiff’s Tramshed—have unveiled their next major development: Cardiff’s first food hall at the historic Castle Quarter Arcade.
Loft Co has worked alongside Mansford, a private multi-strategy investment firm that have owned Castle Quarter since 2015, to bring the plans to fruition.
The project will celebrate Cardiff’s history while introducing HYS, a cutting-edge food hall concept. Loft Co will bring its expertise in restoring and revitalising heritage spaces to Castle Quarter, enhancing one of Cardiff’s most iconic locations.
Set to become Loft Co’s largest food hall project to date, HYS will feature:
• 600 covers across two floors, with spacious seating areas
• 12 independent street food traders, showcasing a diverse range of cuisines
• Concept restaurants, combining bespoke dining areas with menus tailored to the food hall
• Event Spaces, for private dining, celebrations, workshops, pop-ups and meetings
• A wedding venue and private event space.
HYS Food Hall is expected to open in late 2025.
The Castle Quarter Arcades—High Street Arcade, Duke Street Arcade, and Castle Arcade—have been a celebrated part of Cardiff’s architectural and retail heritage since 1885. Loft Co said it was committed to preserving the charm of the Grade II-listed Castle Quarter arcade while creating a vibrant new hub for the city.
Simon Baston, Managing Director of Loft Co, said:
“We are incredibly proud to bring Cardiff’s largest food hall, and to do so in such an iconic location. Cardiff is one of the UK’s fastest-growing core cities, and as our own capital city, this project is particularly close to us. This project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Cardiff’s heritage while creating something completely new and exciting for the city. We’ve seen how food halls have revitalised towns and cities across Wales, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact this development will have in Cardiff. This will be a landmark project for Loft Co and, we hope, a huge asset for the people of Cardiff.”
Charles H Knight, Partner of Mansford, said:
“Since acquiring the iconic and stunning Castle Quarter arcades, we have had a very clear vision as to how to improve the leisure and retail experience for not only the local population but also the significant tourist business attracted to Cardiff. We are extremely excited to welcome Loft Co and their food hall operation to the Castle Quarter and are impressed that they share the same vision for the arcades. The letting to Loft Co comes off the back of significant recent leasing activity at Castle Quarter with leisure occupiers including Gin and Juice, Barkers Tea, Pasture, Parallel, Maison De Boeuf, The Welsh House and Temple bar all trading successfully and strengthening this location as the prime food and beverage location in Cardiff.’’
Loft Co said that Holmes Property Partners as asset managers and Tandem Property Management, the team overseeing Castle Quarter operations, will continue to play an essential role in ensuring the smooth transition and asset management of the site.
Mark Holmes, Director of Holmes Property Partners, said:
“As one of the most significant recent transactions in Cardiff, huge credit must go to both Loft Co and Mansford for navigating through an extremely complex legal process which will deliver the largest food hall operation in Cardiff. The cutting-edge food hall concept will be a significant footfall driver for High St and Duke st Arcade, and we are looking forward to attracting further entrepreneurial businesses to the Castle Quarter.”
EJ Hales as the appointed leasing agents coordinated the acquisition process and identified opportunities for growth within Castle Quarter.
Phil Morris, Director at EJ Hales, said:
“After four years in the making, this project is one of the most exciting developments I’ve had the privilege to work on in the heart of the city. Its prime central location will ensure its future success but also brought unique challenges for its delivery. Partnering with Loft Co, a market leader in this sector, has been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles. We’re thrilled to have completed the deal, and I’m eagerly counting down the days until the food hall opens its doors.”
