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Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay () is the area created by the Cardiff Barrage in South Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The regeneration of Cardiff Bay is now widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in the United Kingdom. The Bay is supplied by two rivers (Taff and Ely) to form a freshwater lake round the former dockland area south of the city centre. The Bay was formerly tidal, with access to the sea limited to a couple of hours each side of high water but now provides 24 hour access through three locks. HistoryCardiff Bay played a major part in Cardiff’s development by being the means of exporting coal from the South Wales Valleys to the rest of the world, helping to power the industrial age. The coal mining industry helped fund the building of Cardiff into the Capital city of Wales and helped the Third Marquis of Bute, who owned the docks, become the richest man in the world at the time.As Cardiff exports grew, so did its population; dockworkers and sailors from across the world settled in neighbourhoods close to the docks, known as Tiger Bay, and communities from up to 45 different nationalities, including Norwegian, Somali, Yemeni, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and Irish helped create the unique multicultural character of the area. After the Second World War most of the industry closed down and became derelict. But, in 1999, new life was injected into the area by the building of the Cardiff Bay Barrage, one of the most controversial building projects of the day but also one of the most successful. Development Cardiff Bay in 2008 The Cardiff Bay Development Corporation (CBDC) was created in 1987 to stimulate the redevelopment of 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) of derelict land. The Development Corporation aimed to attract private capital by spending public money to improve the area. Despite opposition by environmentalists and wildlife organisations, the mudflats at the mouths of the River Taff and River Ely were inundated, with loss of habitat for wading birds. The Barrage has created several new habitats for freshwater species with the wetlands to the south of the Hamadryad Park. When the Development Corporation was wound up in on 31 March 2000, it had achieved many of its objectives. The whole area was unrecognisable from ten years before. Much private land was now open to the public, particularly around the inner harbour and the north side of Roath basin. Work is progressing to complete a 13 kilometre walkway around the Bay and the Barrage has created a world-class environment. In addition the development has enabled land in the city centre to be redeveloped for higher-value uses. The development of "something like 1,250 apartments a year" however might cause future problems, as currently (2008) up to one third are not occupied. Critics such as Lorraine Barrett (AM Labour, Cardiff South and Penarth) say, the flat complexes will not help to build up a community and too little attention has been paid to develop affordable housing. With the recent falls in property values, sales in the area have become problematic. Therefore landlords might be more willing to rent their places out to "people who may not be suited to that type of living." Connecting the Bay area to the centre of Cardiff was a primary goal when plans to develop the docklands were first mooted. Original plans included a grand boulevard (similar to where Lloyd George Avenue is located now) with high density commercial and residential units straddling both sides. This would have created significant demand for quality public transport provisions facilitating connections to the new Bay area but public transport was often of poor quality and, but there are now much improved connections through the Cardiff Bus BayCar service and rail service from Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay railway station. Notable buildingsthumb|140px|Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre (The Tube), from the [[Cardiff Waterbus|Waterbus ]]St David's HotelThe St David's Hotel and Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel with commanding views of the Bay and Penarth. Built by Rocco Forte in 2000, the hotel was sold in 2007 to Principal-Haley hotels.Cardiff Bay Visitor Centrethumb|140px|Pierhead Building (left) and Senedd (right)A unique building known locally as 'The Tube' managed by Cardiff Harbour Authority housing exhibitions and providing visitor information. The Pierhead BuildingThe Pierhead was built in 1897 and designed by William Frame, who studied under William Burgess It was formerly the headquarters of the Bute Dock Company.The SeneddThe Senedd is the National Assembly for Wales building which includes the debating chamber and committee rooms.Wales Millennium Centrethumb|140px|The Wales Millennium Centre, seen from Roald Dahl PlassThe Wales Millennium Centre is home to the Welsh National Opera. Norwegian ChurchThe Norwegian Church Arts Centre, is a rescued historic wooden church that was rebuilt in 1992 and is now managed by Cardiff Harbour Authority as a venue for small concerts and art exhibitions.When living in Cardiff as a child, the famous children's author Roald Dahl attended this church. Craft in the Baythumb|140px|Norwegian Church from the waterA refurbished Victorian dockside building houses Craft in the Bay, the home of the Makers Guild in Wales. TechniquestTechniquest is an educational science & discovery centre, which also includes a science theatre and planetarium.Roald Dahl Plassthumb|140px|Mermaid QuayRoald Dahl Plass is a large open amphitheatre style plaza frequently used as a venue for carnivals and festivals all year round.Mermaid QuayMermaid Quay comprises a mix of restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and services located on the waterfrontWater-based attractions
Commercial and residentialthumb|Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay
Appearances in the media Roald Dahl Plass and the Millennium Centre are often used in external shots of the Torchwood Hub in Doctor Who and Torchwood. Also the Tenth Doctor Doctor Who Christmas Special (2006), "The Runaway Bride" made use of office buildings in the Cardiff Bay. TransportCardiff Bay railway station is northeast of Mermaid Quay and is served by shuttle services to Cardiff Queen Street railway station.Cardiff Bus operates the following services to the Bay:
The Bay lies off the A4232 before the Butetown tunnels and is linked to the city centre by Lloyd George Avenue and Bute Street. The Pont y Werin pedestrian and cycle bridge will open in July 2010, completing a six and a half mile circular route around Cardiff Bay and Penarth. A cycle hire system, similar to those in other large cities, launched in September 2009, and includes 70 bikes and 35 hire points (initially 7) around the centre and the south of the city. The current stations are: Central Station; Cardiff Bay Station; County Hall; Cardiff Bay Visitors’ Centre; Churchill Way; City Hall and eastern Queen Street. It is necessary to register before using bike. The first half an hour is free after which a small hourly fee is payable. GallerySee also |
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