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A planned multi-million-pound Centre for Student Life will "destroy" an important part of Cardiff's heritage, according to critics.

Those involved with the conservation of historic areas claim that, if approved, the plan for the five-storey building will not only result in the demolition of three 141-year-old Victorian villas in Park Place, but spoil the historic character of the Cathays Park Conservation Area.

"A Centre for Student Life (CSL) could be built that respects the city's heritage rather than damaging it, as this proposal does," claimed Nerys Lloyd-Pierce , chairman of Cardiff Civic Society.

"The Cardiff Civic Society has no objection to a new Centre for Student Life in principle, however, the current design is far too overbearing for its location.

'Scheme jars with neighbouring buildings'

"Aesthetically, the proposed scheme jars with neighbouring buildings due to its size and the fact that it fronts Park Place, rather than being set back from it."

She added: "Furthermore, the proposal is in breach of Cardiff Council's own commitment to protecting Cardiff’s built heritage, and ignores a recent ruling by the Planning Inspector.

"He stressed the importance of maintaining the Victorian villas in Park Place and the importance of maintaining a 'coherent context' and 'harmonious street frontage' in the area."

And architectural historian and author of a book on Cathays Park, John Hilling, said: "The plans would diminish Park Place. The proposals would destroy the cohesion and Victorian character of its east side."

Cardiff University said the CSL is designed to enhance students' experience and wellbeing.

It has been described as the heart of student life and would include capacity for student counselling, provide a range of flexible study spaces, a 550-seat technology-rich lecture theatre and a student advice bar.

A university spokesman said that while the loss of the buildings was "regrettable", a historic buildings report from consultants "concluded that the character and appearance of the wider conservation area will not be diminished by the replacement of three Victorian buildings with a contemporary structure but instead preserved".

'Creating a heart to the university'

He added that the university appreciated that there are concerns, but the buildings on the site are not listed.

"We have made every effort to engage with the local community and interested parties as part of the design process," he said.

(Image: Google)

"The selection of the site, directly in front of the current students' union and opposite main building on Park Place, will create a 'heart' to the university and have the additional benefit of reducing the visual impact of the current students' union.

"The planning application is currently being considered by Cardiff Council and we are engaging with them and statutory consultees to respond to any concerns raised."

Critics are unconvinced

Dr Elaine Davey, chairman of the Wales group of the Victorian Society, said: "It is effectively damaging the essential setting of the original university building by W.D.Caroe, and the rest of Cathays Park.

"Also it is not clear how the loss of the avenue of trees at this point along Park Place will be mitigated."

Councillor Elizabeth Clark claimed that demolishing the villas in a conservation area would set "a very dangerous precedent" for the rest of Cardiff.