Systems set to be Central to new city business area
July 2015

Work has just begun on the installation of architectural aluminium systems from leading supplier Kawneer on an office building at the heart of the redevelopment of Cardiff city centre.

Two types of Kawneer's curtain walling - AA®100 capped and zone-drained and AA®100 SSG (Structurally Silicone Glazed) mullion-drained - and two types of doors - AA®545 swing and series 190 heavy-duty entrance doors - are being installed by approved sub-contractor Dudley's Aluminium for main contractor Willmott Dixon at One Central Square.

The 135,000ft2 Grade A speculative office scheme set over up to eight floors, some of which are cantilevered, is the first phase in a five-year 1millionft2 development comprising commercial, retail and residential space in the area between the city's central railway station and the Millennium Stadium.

Driven by Cardiff-based development company Rightacres Property in partnership with the city council, Central Square has been masterplanned by Foster + Partners, with the One Central Square development being designed by Rio Architects.

A major challenge was to demonstrate how the new square and streets around it would handle a major event such as a rugby international and as such a new direct pedestrian route from the square to the stadium - the Millennium Walkway - has been designed to handle 35,000 people exiting the southern gates of the stadium in under 20 minutes.

With public access and open space at its heart, the development is also expected to house the new 150,000ft2 BBC Wales headquarters, the highest building ever constructed in Wales - a 27-storey, 92-metre high-rise - and a 200-bedroom hotel.

City council leader Cllr Phil Bale said: "Central Square is the key gateway to Cardiff and the wider city region for many potential investors, residents and visitors and so its role in providing a positive image for Cardiff and Wales cannot be underestimated.

"The council has worked closely with Rightacres and its design team to create a masterplan that is reflective of the city's ambition to be among the most liveable cities in the world."

www.kawneer.co.uk