The site measures around 1.5Ha and is located within the Gabalfa area of Cardiff. It is bound to the east by Cardiff University’s existing Talybont Gate and Talybont North student accommodations and to the west by various retail, industrial and food and drink establishments along Excelsior Road.

In 2018, permission was granted for the demolition of the former industrial buildings which occupied the site, which were subsequently removed in the same year (Ref. 18/00469/MNR). Since then, the site has remained vacant and undeveloped.

Given the Site’s location, it is readily accessible by all modes of transport including by walking, cycling, public transport or by car. Bus stops are located within 80m of the site on Excelsior Road, providing convenient links to key destinations including Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Medical School, while existing footways, crossings and connections to the Taff Trail (National Cycle Network Route 8) support walking and cycling. The site also benefits from excellent road connectivity via the A48 and M4, providing easy access to Cardiff and the wider region.

The Proposal is for the Erection of a 665-bed purpose-built student accommodation development, including car parking, bicycle parking, servicing, landscaping and associated works. 

It is proposed that the building will be six storeys in height and will include a reception area, social hub, multifunction rooms as well as three external landscaped and planted courtyard areas with seating. The development will act as a key gateway into the wider Talybont Residences from Excelsior Road.

Importantly, the development will provide additional high-quality accommodation to meet Cardiff University’s identified needs.

The development will deliver lasting impact by:

• the provision of 665 purpose-built student bedspaces, increasing Cardiff University’s accommodation capacity and supporting its commitment to accommodate first-year students within university-managed residences;
• the regeneration of a vacant and underutilised brownfield site in a sustainable and accessible location;
• the provision of high-quality internal and external amenity space, including landscaped courtyards and communal facilities to support student health, wellbeing and community;
• landscape, green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements, including new planting and an improved woodland edge adjacent to Gabalfa Woods;
• the creation of new employment opportunities;
• support for Cardiff University’s long-term development and its continued contribution to the local, regional and national economy.

The proposal has been designed to maximise the site’s irregular shape, create active frontages and amenity areas, and provide strong pedestrian, cycle and vehicular connections with the adjacent Talybont student residences.