A renowned building on a bustling road in Cardiff is scheduled for demolition to pave the way for new student apartments. The Cardiff Council’s planning committee recently gave the green light for this development on the site of Longcross Court, located on Newport Road. Erected in the 1970s, Longcross Court has served as an office complex hosting various businesses such as Channings, a Betfred betting shop, and Adventure Rooms.
The upcoming 18-storey student accommodation will feature 706 private rooms, a cafe, and a 480sqm office space. While some committee members expressed concerns about the project’s impact on the area’s character, others viewed the current Longcross Court building as unsatisfactory. Cllr Jon Shimmin remarked that the proposed structure fails to enhance the site or add value to Cardiff’s skyline. However, Cllr Sean Driscoll and Cllr Adrian Robson had more favourable opinions, with Driscoll describing the existing Longcross Court as “abysmal” and likening it to Ayers Rock in Adamsdown.
Although there were reservations regarding student drop-off and pick-up logistics, developers must submit a traffic management plan before any building occupation. Additional concerns raised by committee members included the reduction of office space and the quality of living conditions for students, especially regarding inadequate natural light in some units. Despite acknowledging the regrettable light levels, planning officers deemed the overall benefits of the project as outweighing this issue. Communal facilities such as a cinema, gym, and rooftop garden are planned.
One notable condition requires the development to be exclusively used for student accommodation and not permanent residences. While acknowledging the benefits the project could bring, Cllr Shimmin stressed the importance of suitable living conditions for students’ mental health. The new student complex aims to provide a modern living space while contributing to the city’s student accommodation needs.