Cardiff shoppers looking into the future

Date: 9 Aug 2007

A section of the Charles Street entrance (located in between Debenhams and Marks & Spencer) has been transformed with samples of the materials that will be used during the shopping centre’s modernisation project. Customers visiting the centre over the next few weeks will have a taster of the look and feel of the proposed floor, lighting and ceilings.

By installing some of the proposed materials to the existing centre, those overseeing the modernisation project are hoping to gauge customer reaction to their choices as well examining the practical elements of the materials, including their durability and how easy they are to clean.

St. David’s Shopping Centre’s modernisation – which is being carried out by main contractors Bovis Lend Lease - will not only see it linked to the new development, it will also give it a whole new look to mirror the design and materials being used for St. David’s 2.

By 2009, St. David’s Shopping Centre will be fully linked with St. David’s 2 via escalators in the Town Wall South Mall, which has already closed for work to begin, and by a glass bridge from Debenhams. Together they will form one of the largest shopping and leisure destinations in the UK, at over 1.4 million square feet and with more than 180 shops.

Steven Madeley, general manager at St David’s Shopping Centre, said: “The mock-up will give our customers the opportunity to get a glimpse as to what the centre will look like by 2009 when the modernisation project will be finished. They can get up close and see and feel the materials for themselves. We are very excited about the modernisation. St David’s Shopping Centre is at the very heart of shopping in Cardiff and we are undergoing this modernisation so that our customers can continue to enjoy the best shopping experience possible.”