Premier Construction Wales

Tramshed

Tramshed
Written by Roma Publications

Transforming Tramshed

Tramshed

In summer 2014, Cardiff City Council invited interested developers to bid to take on a vacant Grade II listed building and redevelop it as a mixed-use building. The vision for the building was to rejuvenate and redefine the structure as a creative hub, whilst at the same time retaining all its iconic character and magnificence.

The intention of the development was to create a vibrant new small business and arts heart – situated south of the City Centre – which could offer cultural facilities and support local start-up businesses in the community. In doing so, the development would then become an integral part of the regeneration of the Grangetown area.

Loftco and Ellis Williams Architects have more than 20 years’ experience taking on projects and breathing life back into historic buildings, including all types of creative, arts and entertainment venues. As a result, Loftco and Ellis Williams Architects were the ideal choice to secure the building, which will now boast flexible spaces, including a live music venue, restaurant, café, design studio, two dance studios and 20 serviced offices which are available for as little as a 28 day lease.

Loftco took on the role of developer, contractor and long term holder on the project.

Simon Baston, Managing Director of Loftco, said:
“It’s important that we took on the project as a whole. With a listed building and appeal to a niche market, a high level of skill is required. You can’t delegate tasks to external sub-contractors and so we did everything in house, with a highly skilled team overlooking the project day in, day out.”
Works to turn the old tram shed into a multiuse centre began in August 2015, transforming the redundant building to one with plenty of potential. Phase one has reached completion and work on phase two is now underway.

Phase one of the project comprised the development of a 1000 person capacity multi-purpose venue, as required by the Council. Since completion this has been used for live entertainment, with visitors describing it as the “best venue in wales”.

Phase two consists of a 14000sqft mixed space which entails a 24 hour tech hub courtesy of the Big Learning Company.
Simon said:
“This is a career defining project and we’re really pleased to be involved, with it. The Tramshed is a fantastic template for us to move forward with and it shows people that all of the redundant buildings following the recession just need a bit of lateral thinking and so that they can be converted into something truly wonderful.”

For more information about Tramshed, please visit: www.tramshedcardiff.com.

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Roma Publications