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These are the first images of the Central Quay waterfront regeneration scheme at the Brains Brewery site.

The plans could eventually see three million sq ft of new leisure, residential and office space built in the centre of Cardiff.

It would be the biggest commercial property scheme ever seen in Wales.

Called Central Quay, it covers a 14-acre site immediately south of Cardiff Central Train Station.

The investment would create thousands of new jobs.

The site covers:

The existing eight acre SA Brain & Co brewery site, as well as

Land owned by Network Rail (subject to successful negotiations)

And the existing BMW car dealership site on Penarth Road which was recently acquired by Vastint.

Central Quay is a joint venture between SA Brain & Co and Cardiff-based property development firm Rightacres - which is behind the 1 million sq ft Central Square regeneration scheme immediately north of the train station.

The Brains Brewery site would accommodate up to two million sq ft of commercial developments, including apartments, offices, a hotel, bars and restaurants extending right up to the banks of the River Taff.

And Central Quay would see a further one million sq ft of mixed-used development if Network Rail's four acre site, as well as around the two acres owned by Vastint, are also included.

Discussions between all stakeholders are continuing.

The development is being designed to complement Network Rail’s masterplan for the station and the proposed Metro system.

And this could see a role for the bidder chosen to build the next phase of the Metro - with electrification of the Valleys Lines - as well as running the next Wales and Borders rail franchise from October 2019.

If Central Quay is approved SA Brain & Co would need to find a new brewery and head office building site somewhere else in Cardiff.

A number of potential locations are currently being evaluated.

The development cost of Central Quay would run into hundreds of millions of pounds.

Huge scale

The brewery site would see around two million sq ft of office, apartment, hotel and leisure space - including waterfront bars and restaurants.

The historic brewery building would be maintained as a potential leisure and creative quarter at the heart of the scheme, as well as the iconic chimney with the Brains branding.

The scheme, utilising the River Taff, will also have water taxis and moorings for private yachts.

With agreement with Network Rail and Vastint, Central Quay would see three million sq ft of development, in a project creating thousands of new jobs.

It would consist of around 1 million sq ft each of offices, apartments and hotel space, as well as other mixed-use units.

Planning for the scheme's first buildings is expected to be submitted to Cardiff Council next summer. And subject to approval construction could start towards the end of 2017.

Sad to leave but exciting future for Brains

Chief executive of SA Brain & Co, Scott Waddington, said: “We recognise that the brewery site has huge potential for re-development and at the same time we needed to reinvest in our brewing plant, office and training facilities..

"This presented the opportunity for us to relocate and enable the Central Quay development to take place where we expect our Brains and Coffee#1 brands to feature.

"While moving from our Crawshay Street home in the centre of Cardiff will be sad, I am excited by the potential the scheme creates for both our business and employees.

"We are also aware of numerous other brands that want a presence in Cardiff and believe Central Quay’s waterfront location will drive huge investment from national and international operators who want to be in the capital.”

Chief executive of Rightacres Paul McCarthy said: “The timing for bringing forward the Brains site ties in perfectly with the Metro system delivery programme.

"Public transport is pivotal to the success of any business district and to have a Metro terminal at Central Quay, adjacent to the Central Train Station, would be good for all concerned."

Leader of Cardiff Council, Phil Bale said: "The city council has been involved in trying to unlock this opportunity for a number of years.

"And we are delighted that SA Brain & Co and Rightacres have come to an agreement which will help deliver on our aspirations to extend the city centre south of the train station.”

Rightacres will continue developing the masterplan for Central Quay with its design team over the next few months in consultation with Cardiff planners and other stakeholders.

Mr McCarthy said “We would hope to submit detailed planning for our first buildings towards the middle of next year with a view to getting under way on construction towards the end of 2017."

Whilst it will take SA Brain & Co up to two years to fully relocate from its existing brewing facility, there are opportunities to bring forward a number of parcels of land within the next year at Central Quay for development.

Mr Waddington said "We are looking at a number of different opportunities for the new brewery facility and hope to announce our final decision early next year."

Advisers

Mike Baggott, who is partner in the corporate and commercial team at Hugh James is acting for the brewery on the Central Quay scheme, while Blake Morgan is acting for Rightacres.