What can be done about the ‘soulless and grim’ slab of concrete in the middle of Cardiff?
What can be done about the ‘soulless and grim’ slab of concrete in the middle of Cardiff?
People have been invited to picture Central Square as a ‘world-class public area’ Cardiff Central Square had previously been described as “soulless and grim,” with some questioning the place that was supposed to be “a new gateway to the capital.”
Conversations have raged on social media and throughout the city for years, with the message that there isn’t enough personality in the space being repeated over and over.
The Royal Society of Architects in Wales has launched a competition to seek new design proposals to “evolve Central Square into a world-class public realm that reflects the spirit of Cardiff and enhances the everyday experience for all who use it.”
Although the winning entry does not guarantee a transformation, all entries will be displayed, and the winner will be announced at RSAW’s final Design Week event at The Parkgate Hotel on the evening of Friday 10 October, as well as online through RSAW’s social media accounts.
It has been defined as a conceptual design competition centred on Central Square, with the option of proposing connections to locations such as Wood Street and Westgate Street.
But what do people think of the square and how it currently performs its purpose? We surveyed commuters and passers-by about their current perceptions of the place.
One man who works in the city centre and frequents the area told us, “I think what’s here is really good, but yeah, it could do with a little bit of updating, but I think what’s here is really good.”
Oliver from Portsmouth commented, “It’s just a little plain, isn’t it?” “There’s not much going on there.” He went on to say, “I believe you could get more shops there, as well as more fun and activities. There’s a bit more to do around here. “That would be sick.”
The competition highlights that the area is positioned directly in front of Cardiff Central Station, implying that it is the first thing visitors consider when appraising the city, noting that “recent developments have introduced significant architectural landmarks.”
“The area experiences high footfall, especially during commuting hours, sporting events, and festivals.”
Central Square is located in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Image: 2025) John Keeble (Getty Images) A journalism student who lectures at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Culture, which is located in the square, is one of many young people who have been inspired by the base that has been built since the main reconstruction in the late 2010s.
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