Cooke & Arkwright

City centre landmark on market

25/03/08
One of Cardiff’s best known city centre landmark buildings and popular former hostelry which closed last October has been put on the market, presenting a prime commercial opportunity. The Grade II-listed former South Glamorgan Staff Club, which is situated directly opposite the main entrance to the Millennium Stadium, was sold at auction in February to a private client advised by chartered surveyors Cooke & Arkwright. 

First built in 1881, the three storey Victorian building occupies a prime location on the corners of Westgate Street and Quay Street, adjacent to the City Arms public house. The agents say that it could be converted for a variety of uses, such as a restaurant, bistro or public house, or for offices or residential use subject to obtaining change of planning consent. The surrounding area is populated by several stylish bars and bistros including The Calcutta Club, Pica Pica and Pebbles, while close by are a number of residential apartments and the four-star Angel Hotel.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an attractive, Victorian building in a prominent position very close to St Mary Street and Cardiff Castle,” said Huw Thomas of Cooke & Arkwright.  “The property extends to approximately 5,300 sq ft over a basement, ground and first floors. Internally, the accommodation surrounds a central lightwell and a feature wooden staircase and needs refurbishment as it has been underused for some time. While it is currently cellular in layout, an open plan design could be created to adapt it for a new function.

“Primarily, we are seeking to identify a quality operator to reflect the stature of the building,” he pointed out. “We anticipate a great deal of interest.”

Originally built for use by the Clerks of the Peace, it later became the Staff Club for Glamorgan County Council. For the last 30 years or more, the premises were occupied by the Trustees of the club and in 1996 it was devolved to four Trustee Authorities: Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Bridgend County Borough Councils. It continued to be used as a Staff Club until the Trustees eventually disposed of it by auction in February 2008. The new owner acquired it freehold and Cooke & Arkwright is now marketing the property for lease under terms to be agreed.

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