(Image: 5plus Architects)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A massive 50-storey skyscraper has been given the green light to be built in Cardiff, making it the tallest building in Wales by a significant margin.
The tower, approved by Cardiff Council’s planning committee on Thursday, will reach a maximum height of 178m and contain 528 apartments. It will dwarf the current tallest building in Wales – the 29-storey Tower at Meridian Quay in Swansea, which stands at 107m.
A landmark for the city
If constructed to its proposed height, the skyscraper will also become the second tallest building in the UK outside of London, behind only Manchester’s 200m Deansgate Square South Tower.
The development will be located at Central Square, within walking distance of Cardiff Central Station, Principality Stadium and BBC Cymru’s headquarters.
From 35 to 50 storeys
Rightacres originally submitted plans for a 35-storey tower on the same site back in 2021, which the council approved. New plans for the significantly taller 50-storey development were later submitted by REAP 3 Limited in 2025.
Heritage concerns raised
During the planning committee meeting, councillors discussed concerns from Cadw, the Welsh Government body responsible for protecting historic buildings, that the view of the high-rise from Cardiff Castle would negatively affect the heritage asset. However, many councillors disagreed with this assessment.
Cllr Sean Driscoll called the development an “exclamation mark on the city”.
Cllr Michael Michael said: “I see nothing but good in this application”.
Planning officer Simon Gilbert described the new skyscraper as “akin to the Flat Iron building in New York”.
What will be inside
The first three floors are proposed to include lounges, dining rooms, co-working areas, a cinema, a gym and a spa. A two-storey pavilion is also planned alongside the tower.
Design and identity
The architects behind the project, 5plus Architects, said particular focus has been given to maintaining the building’s long-term appearance, especially considering Wales’ frequent rainfall.
Parts of the façade will feature subtle references to Welsh Celtic symbols, drawing inspiration from the country’s rich visual heritage and identity. Planning documents state that white Portland Stone, which features on several of Cardiff’s significant civic buildings, has informed the tonal references for the design, ensuring the tower sits comfortably within the city’s skyline.
