Visitors to Cardiff Bay will benefit from significantly improved parking facilities this summer as Mermaid Quay officially opens its brand-new multi-storey car park.
The new facility, which provides 679 parking spaces across eight split-level floors, has been developed to improve access to one of Wales’ most popular waterfront destinations ahead of a busy season of events, dining, shopping and family days out.
Located adjacent to Mermaid Quay, the car park includes 33 accessible parking spaces and 29 parent and child bays, helping to make visits to Cardiff Bay easier and more convenient for a wide range of visitors.
The facility also supports more sustainable travel, with a dedicated cycle hub providing space for 70 bicycles, including 50 covered spaces within the car park and a further 20 external spaces.
Owned by Schroders Capital, the car park was delivered by GOLDBECK Construction Ltd.
Alongside increasing parking capacity, the development has been designed to enhance the surrounding environment and create a more welcoming gateway into Cardiff Bay.
A striking new public artwork, coordinated by Studio Response and created by artist Aidan Myers with support from Phil Cheater, has been installed adjacent to the car park. Inspired by botanical scenery, the mural uses natural colours, textures and flora to bring character and vibrancy to the area while helping to soften the visual appearance of the building.
Extensive landscaping has also been incorporated throughout the development, including approximately 114 metres of native hedgerow, 660 square metres of wildflower habitat, new tree planting, ornamental shrubs and reinforced grass areas. The landscape design has been carefully developed to support biodiversity, improve green screening and create a more attractive setting for visitors and neighbouring residents.
The car park also features modern ticketless parking technology using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and cashless payment systems, helping to improve traffic flow and provide a seamless parking experience.
Additional sustainability features include energy-efficient LED lighting, controlled lighting strategies designed to minimise impact on neighbouring properties, and durable long-life construction materials designed to reduce maintenance requirements over the lifetime of the building.
Mermaid Quay Centre Manager Mark Lemon said:
“We are delighted to see the new car park open and ready to welcome visitors ahead of what promises to be a very busy summer season in Cardiff Bay.
“Mermaid Quay attracts millions of visitors every year and this investment will make it easier than ever for people to visit and enjoy everything the area has to offer. Whether it’s dining by the waterfront, shopping, meeting friends and family or attending one of the many events taking place throughout the summer, the new car park provides a modern, convenient and accessible gateway to the Bay.
“What is particularly pleasing is that the development is about much more than parking. The landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and public artwork all help create a more attractive and welcoming environment for visitors and local residents alike, reflecting the ongoing investment being made in Cardiff Bay as a destination.”
The opening comes as Mermaid Quay prepares for one of its busiest periods of the year, with thousands of visitors expected to head to Cardiff Bay throughout the summer months to enjoy its restaurants, cafés, bars, attractions and waterfront events.
With improved parking capacity and enhanced visitor facilities now in place, Mermaid Quay is well positioned to welcome even more visitors to Cardiff Bay this summer and beyond.
