Cardiff University is proposing a multi-million pound, five-storey Centre for Student Life. Aimed at being the "heart of the campus", it will include a welcome-point for students and the public, a large 550 capacity lecture theatre, study space and retail outlets.
A statement on the University's website said, "Working in partnership with the students' union, Cardiff University wishes to build an iconic building at the heart of the university to deliver a world-leading student experience covering every facet of student life."
However, in order for the university to achieve this development, three Victorian villas will have to be demolished, which has started a row over the potential impact of the development on the Cathays Park Conservation Area.
Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, chairman of Cardiff Civic Society, said the body will be objecting to the proposed development on visual and design grounds. She said, "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. 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."
In addition, Ms Lloyd-Pierce added that the proposed development ignores a recent ruling by the Planning Inspectorate over the importance of maintaining the Victorian villas that are proposed to be demolished.
The application for the development is currently being considered by Cardiff Council.
