Confusion and anger at another Cardiff multi-storey car park as people question 'what is the need'

Cardiff Bay is set to welcome a new multi-storey car park with over 900 spaces , following approval from Cardiff Council's planning committee. The seven-storey development will be situated on the Red Dragon Centre car park opposite County Hall. Wales Online readers mostly feel that the council should instead be concentrating on public transport.

The car park forms part of a broader masterplan to revamp Atlantic Wharf, which includes the construction of a new indoor arena with a capacity of 15,000, a hotel and a new public square. The council's planning committee also gave the green light to plans for a hard-surfaced car parking area comprising 73 spaces. However, the plans have not been without controversy, with concerns raised about the impact on traffic and the loss of trees.



Butetown's ward member for Cardiff Council , Cllr Helen Gunter, expressed her dissatisfaction with the potential traffic implications, particularly for local residents living in Galleon Way. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Cllr Gunter argued that the proposed arrangements could make it difficult for residents on the road to access their homes while the car park was in use. Galleon Way is accessed via the roundabout located between County Hall and the application site.

Planning committee member Cllr Peter Wong voiced concerns about the loss of trees due to the car park developments. Council planners revealed that 27 trees would be removed, but in mitigation, 50 new trees are proposed to be planted. One commenter, Scrutari said of the plans: “Amazing behaviour from a ‘car hating’ council! Another car park, why are they spending a fortune on public transport?” Sue1976 agreed: “What is the need for this when they keep telling us we should be on public transport, push bikes or Shank's pony? Could it possibly be that public transport is not fit for purpose and does not go where you want, when you want?” Peter.

123 added: “I am assuming you will also be able to get the new tram to the arena?” Anothergrumpy pointed out: “The unreasonables are outraged when there's no parking and outraged when there is.” Syndicalism replied: “Who is going to park there as the Welsh Government seem determined to rid Wales of cars?” Tjh52 thought: “Could do with this at all the hospitals in Wales where parking is diabolical!” Cris was outraged: “Cardiff is becoming nothing more than a city full of multi-storey car parks. Build an Arena and they will come, that's an outdated attitude, we’re not in 1997 anymore! Get the tram links and metro up and running and THEN build the arena WITHOUT a car park!” Tonyblue1927 joked: “Don’t drive to the city, but in case you want to come and spend your money, here is a nice new car park.

” GranT asked: “Will it take as long as the bus station to build?” GazH71 complained: “I live next door and my view is going to be gone, I'll have 900 cars all revving and beeping as they try all night to get out of there, and have they given any thought to the queues coming in? They'll be lining up through the tunnel and over the bridge. All they had to do was adjust the current floor level parking for coaches and buses and make a Park and Ride at the end of the A4232 near the M4 junction. The council is hopeless.

” What do you think? Does Cardiff really need another huge car park when there are environmental issues to consider? Have your say in our comments section..