Atlantic Wharf, Butetown, Cardiff
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Summary
Bringing Cardiff Council's regeneration masterplan for Atlantic Wharf Butetown to life
Cardiff Council is leading the regeneration masterplan for a 30-acre redevelopment which will help transform Cardiff Bay into a top-tier visitor attraction for the people of Wales and around the UK. Phase One of the masterplan sees delivery of a new 16,500-capacity arena, hotel and associated parking. These are being developed by Robertson and consortium partners Live Nation Entertainment and Oak View Group who will operate the venue.
Key facts
- Hybrid planning application for the arena, hotel, and wider Atlantic Wharf masterplan approved.
- Over 1,000 jobs will be created during construction.
- The 30-acre masterplan site includes arena, commercial and office space, cultural centre, two hotels, housing, public square and transport hub.
The arena bowl: shaped for the future
The design is a single tier arena to intensify the atmosphere for spectators and performers. Seating and floor space can adapt to audience sizes anywhere between 3,500 and 16,500, and a variety of events from sports to family shows as well as live music and entertainment. The design takes in key considerations including protecting sunlight and privacy for neighbouring properties, and maximising use of solar energy among other sustainability measures. World-class acoustics will guarantee the ultimate sound experience while noise levels are reduced to maintain a peaceful environment outside the arena.
Public engagement: giving Butetown's communities a voice
Covid restrictions meant we were unable to hold in-person public consultations initially. We held a series of well-publicised online consultations covering the approach to the masterplan, the Phase 1 arena development, venue management and plans for sustainable transport.
The consortium team held several open consultations on-site at Atlantic Wharf to give locals the opportunity to ask questions on the ambitious proposals ahead of the Pre-Application Consultation. The submitted planning application demonstrated a reduction in the scale of the masterplan and its overall building density, reflecting comments raised during consultations.
A significant milestone
Plans for Cardiff’s highly anticipated indoor arena reached a significant milestone in 2025 as Cardiff Council, and the consortium comprised of Live Nation and Robertson Property announced financial close on the project. The grand opening is planned for 2028.
