Redeveloped Cardiff impresses

The St. David’s development has reinvigorated the centre of Cardiff in recent years; it has provided more than a simple shopping experience.

The redevelopment has included transforming St John’s Churchyard into a landscaped area for the public to sit and enjoy, provided new car parks and accessibility routes for the city centre, and provided an award-winning library for public use.

“The vision was one of a unique shopping, leisure, cultural and tourist destination created by the regeneration of the heart of the city centre – transforming Cardiff into one of the most dynamic cities in Europe” says Development Director, Lester Hampson.

But what do you think? alt.cardiff went on the streets to find out.

Tom Good, Barman, 20, Cardiff

“It’s good. It’s a nice shopping centre, a good place to meet friends. I don’t know about the extra bits though; just the shopping”

Amy Flute, Waitress, 20, Cardiff

“Loads of shops and very clean. It’s good everything’s in one place and that everything’s covered. It always rains in Wales!”

Kaz Johnson, Dance Teacher, 31, Cardiff

“I’m a Cardiff boy, and before it was all really shabby. Now it’s stylish, with really nice places to eat and be social.”

Alex Loane, Shopkeeper, 29, Cardiff

“The development has regenerated a run-down area of the city, but now the recession has set in I think reality has set in somewhat for retailers. Shops have come and gone loads since [St. David’s] opened.”

Dan Patching, Coffee Shop Owner, 30, Cardiff

“Aside from the mall area, the major new developments have really spruced the city centre up. I don’t know much about them, but they definitely make it a more pleasant place to visit.”

Henriett Olah-Nagy, Clerical Administrator, 32, Cardiff

“In recession time it’s great it provides jobs for people. If you look at the car parking, too, it’s made lives much more convenient without costing too much more.”

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