Meridian Gate, Cardiff

Meridian Gate is a hotel and residential skyscraper complex in Cardiff, Wales. Meridian Gate comprises two buildings, the taller of which is 63 metres high, has 21 floors and contains the largest hotel in Cardiff, operated by Radisson Blu. It is the joint-fifth tallest building in Cardiff. The smaller building, called Meridian Plaza is 33 metres high, has 11 floors and contains luxury residential apartments. Meridian Gate is a result of the trend for city living that is driving a construction boom in many major British centres. HistoryThe building was proposed in early 2004, obtaining planning consent shortly afterwards. A full application was submitted in 2006 after a change of developer. The site was bought by Radisson Blu, a major international hotel group requiring a prime site in central Cardiff for an upmarket hotel and a 36-unit residential element. The building topped out in mid-2008. Architecture and designThe public open space is a mix of hard and soft landscaping, and the courtyards at podium level are for residents only. The Barcelona lights were retained but moved, and a statue of Jim Driscoll was placed on an elevated stone plinth. Parking provision was low, given the central location, with 40 spaces allocated for residents, and 35 for the hotel based on different levels on an anticipation that 80% of hotel users use public transport. The hotel tower has a glazed curtain walling with solar reflective glass and aluminium projecting fins. The intention was to broadly follow the finishes and colours on Callaghan Square and Kingsway. The gull wing or butterfly roof feature on top of the tower were added to give it more distinction.

Meridian Gate is a hotel and residential skyscraper complex in Cardiff, Wales. Meridian Gate comprises two buildings, the taller of which is 63 metres high, has 21 floors and contains the largest hotel in Cardiff, operated by Radisson Blu. It is the joint-fifth tallest building in Cardiff. The smaller building, called Meridian Plaza is 33 metres high, has 11 floors and contains luxury residential apartments. Meridian Gate is a result of the trend for city living that is driving a construction boom in many major British centres. HistoryThe building was proposed in early 2004, obtaining planning consent shortly afterwards. A full application was submitted in 2006 after a change of developer. The site was bought by Radisson Blu, a major international hotel group requiring a prime site in central Cardiff for an upmarket hotel and a 36-unit residential element. The building topped out in mid-2008. Architecture and designThe public open space is a mix of hard and soft landscaping, and the courtyards at podium level are for residents only. The Barcelona lights were retained but moved, and a statue of Jim Driscoll was placed on an elevated stone plinth. Parking provision was low, given the central location, with 40 spaces allocated for residents, and 35 for the hotel based on different levels on an anticipation that 80% of hotel users use public transport. The hotel tower has a glazed curtain walling with solar reflective glass and aluminium projecting fins. The intention was to broadly follow the finishes and colours on Callaghan Square and Kingsway. The gull wing or butterfly roof feature on top of the tower were added to give it more distinction.