Plans have been revealed for a 29-storey block of flats to be built on the site of Guilford Crescent where the much loved Gwdihw music venue once stood.
The buildings on the site were some of the oldest in Cardiff, dating back to the 19th century.
The music venue’s closure was a significant loss to the independent and Welsh music scene in Cardiff and attracted significant protest.
The decision also closed the doors of the Thai House and Madeira Restaurants.
The businesses did not go quietly with a strong campaign from the Save Gwdihw and Guilford Crescent campaign.
Some 20,000 people signed a petition to save the buildings and 1,000 people marched through the city centre in January 2018. The demolition plans were also met with over 700 objections but despite the protests, the landlords still decided to end the lease of the buildings.
Early days for the plans
It’s very early stages for the new development. However it was decided on Thursday that the developers, Galliford Try, will not need to submit an ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’.
However, the proposals are significant as the shell of Gwdihw and Guilford Crescent have been standing empty for two years.
The proposals have been met with sadness on social media. With the pandemic proving so tough on the music and nightlife industries, and no sign yet that Gwdihw has been relocated, many fear that the legacy of such an important music venue will be lost forever.