Plans to transform Cardiff's former Debenhams department store into a 102,000 sq ft public square have been delayed, with demolition work still ongoing despite the development originally being expected to open in summer 2026.
City Square Project Details
Landsec's City Square project at St David's Dewi Sant shopping centre will create a pedestrianised public space featuring food and drink outlets, leisure facilities, green spaces and play areas.
The redevelopment will include two large food and beverage units, seven smaller kiosks, outdoor seating and space for food vans and carts. A leisure facility overlooking the square is also planned, alongside improvements to the entrance to St David's 1.
Design and Construction Timeline
The design will draw inspiration from Welsh landscapes, history and culture, with opportunities for local artwork, murals and play areas. Parts of the former department store will be retained for the leisure facility and food pavilions, while recovered building materials will be reused within the play space.
Construction was initially scheduled to begin in September 2025, with completion expected in June 2026. However, as of October the site remains a construction zone and no revised opening date has been announced.
Demolition Delays and Site History
A spokesperson for St David's Cardiff said: "We're currently taking the necessary steps to move into the last stages of demolition, including recently securing planning permission for these final works."
The spokesperson added: "The demolition process for the City Square development has taken longer than expected, as is common with sites of this scale and complexity, and we look forward to sharing more details on next steps for the space in due course."
The former Debenhams store was built in 1981 and opened the following year. It traded for 39 years before the retailer went into administration in 2021, leaving the site vacant for several years.
Landsec submitted plans to redevelop the site in August 2024 with an aim to turn the former department store into a new destination for shoppers and visitors. The missed summer opening target means the wait for the new public space continues.
