Plans have been submitted to convert the historic Pump House building in Cardiff Bay into offices. The Grade-II listed Victorian structure, currently used as a retail showroom, would become the base for Penarth-based specialist finance brokerage firm Truffle Specialist Finance.
Prime Waterfront Location
The Pump House is a prominent red-brick single-storey building situated in a "highly visible waterfront position" on Havannah Street. It sits near Mermaid Quay, one of Cardiff's main leisure and tourism destinations. The property is currently occupied by Inhaus, a luxury furniture and interiors brand, as a retail showroom.
The application states that the proposal will secure the continued occupation of the commercial property, supporting economic activity and the vitality of the Central and Bay business areas. It notes that the change of use will support local employment, accommodating a workforce of 14 full-time and one part-time employee, with numbers expected to grow as the business expands.
Preserving Heritage
No changes are planned to the inside or outside of the building. The proposal aims to "preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the Grade-II listed building, together with the character and appearance of the Pierhead conservation area."
The property lies within the Pierhead conservation area, named after the nearby Pierhead building, which enjoys extra legal protections due to its architectural and historic character. Planning documents indicate there would be no adverse impacts on the visual amenity or character of the surrounding area, which includes a mix of commercial, leisure, and service-based businesses.
Continued Active Use
The documents explain that the existing showroom use is being vacated as it is no longer required by the current occupier. The proposed change of use would ensure the continued active occupation of the premises by an established business through an employment-generating use consistent with the commercial role of the central and Bay business areas.
The site is described as a "highly sustainable location within the heart of Cardiff Bay" and well-served by public transport.
