The £17m redevelopment aims to create a safe public space in city centre
PLANS to transform Cardiff’s old Debenhams site into a retail area and play park have been approved, but a “key focus” is preventing rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The City Square project, developed by Land Securities, is intended to be a family-friendly space. However, police have raised concerns about it attracting crime.
Two letters were received by Cardiff council ahead of the February 17 meeting at which the plan was approved expressing fears that steps suggested to combat crime would target rough sleepers seeking shelter.
The old Debenhams site has been empty since 2021. The City Square will include a play park, seating area, performance stage, seven food kiosks, two restaurant buildings and an indoor leisure area.
However, South Wales Police raised concerns that the public space could encourage the intimidation of visitors, large groups gathering, intoxication, rough sleeping and bike theft.
Officers said that without preventative measures, the site could become a hotspot for crime and suggested the following measures be put in place:
- CCTV coverage throughout the entire site.
- Security patrols managed by St Davids Shopping Centre.
- Bright lighting to eliminate dark corners.
- Seating and street furniture designed to discourage rough sleeping such as armrests between each seat.
- A lockable play area to prevent late-night loitering.
- Strict alcohol rules.
- Positioning bollards to avoid creating hidden spaces.
- Cycle storage to be fitted with an electro-mechanical lock, lighting and CCTV.
Many of Cardiff’s rough sleepers currently use Hill Street, Cathedral Walk and Charles Street to shelter and for socialising. The anonymous campaigners called on the council to consider their needs before making the space inaccessible and said that alternative provisions should be provided.
Others have welcomed the plans.
“If it is quiet, it doesn’t currently feel a very secure area to walk past, especially if you are a woman – it is dark and has no natural supervision. Higher footfall and the area being overlooked by businesses would tend to make the area more secure,” said councillor Sarah Merry.
Developer Land Sec, which owns St David’s shopping centre, says the project is a temporary solution, while a long-term city centre master plan is developed.
City Square is designed to encourage visitors to linger in the space and engage with each other and nature. A survey carried out by Land Sec found that 75% of people in Cardiff think nature should be a priority to developers.
These eco-friendly aspects include:
- Planting 17 semi-mature trees, to provide shade without creating hidden spaces, and that are too big to vandalise.
- Solar panels to generate energy.
- Green roofs and rain gardens.
- A sustainable drainage system.
It also aims to align to the city’s aspirations to be a UNICEF Child Friendly City by providing engaging play for all ages and abilities.
“As local members we are always really conscious of the lack of open space and facilities for children to play in the city centre so hopefully this area will help with that,” said Coun Sarah Merry.
Almost all the interiors at the former Debenhams site have been demolished, and building work is expected to start soon, with the final project expected to be ready in June 2026.
This development is one of three recently approved plans for the city centre, after a proposed food hall in Castle Arcade, and the renovation of Cardiff Market.
“Land Sec hope to revive this part of town and attract people to this area, especially combined with the new surrounding retail/ food offer,” said Coun Sarah Merry.
