Around one million sq ft of office, residential and commercial space is to be built in the centre of Cardiff over the next five years as part of a huge new plan.



The plan, known as the Central Square scheme is being developed in partnership with Rightacres and Cardiff City Council and has been designed by leading architect firm Foster & Partners.



The new scheme will see the creation of a new civic square surrounded by a number of new buildings.



The centrepiece of the development will be a new £100m Headquarters for the BBC in Wales, which subject to planning approval, will start construction in summer of 2015 with Capita project managing.



Willmott Dixon started construction in September of One Central Square, a key speculative office building in Foster’s masterplan.



On top of 500,000 sq ft of new office space and student accommodation, Central Square could also see around 450 private flats, new retail outlets and a 200-bedroom hotel.



Paul McCarthy, Chief Executive of Cardiff-based Rightacres, said: “People have talked for many years about the regeneration of Central Square but this time it is happening. Central Square will present visitors arriving in the City with a first impression that the Capital City deserves”.