New details have emerged of a potential £17 million Finnish-style swim and sauna complex that could transform an old dock into what has been described as an “inclusive, highly animated public destination”.
In September this year, waterfront developer Nordic Urban announced an ambitious plan to transform the old grade-II Mount Stuart Graving Docks in Cardiff Bay into a massive 12,400 square metre year-round outdoor swimming and sauna complex.
Planned facilities and design
The centrepiece of the development will be a 25-metre outdoor heated swimming pool. There are also separate plans for hot and cold pools, four saunas, changing and relaxation rooms as well as a cafe, restaurant, terraces overlooking the water and a rain garden.
New planning documents for the complex read: “The main vision is to transform the under-utilised, Grade II listed Mount Stuart Graving Docks No. 1 and No. 2 into a year-round public swimming, wellness, and cultural destination.
“The project is rooted in Nordic values of inclusion and social connection, aiming to create a modern outdoor bathing culture in the heart of the city.”
Inspired by Helsinki's Allas Pool
The complex is based on, and named after, the Allas Pool in Helsinki which opened in 2016. The developer called the Allas Pool - which attracts 800,000 visitors every year - “one of the city’s most popular attractions”.
The development is proposed to provide both a “premium wellness offering” alongside “open-access public swimming”.
Plans read: “The scheme ensures that local residents across all income brackets can access high-quality exercise and relaxation facilities in a unique urban setting.
“This combination transforms the site into a major social and economic engine, delivering clear public health benefits while reinforcing Cardiff Bay’s status as a world-class waterfront.”
Jobs and economic impact
As well as increasing leisure options within the city, the complex will create a range of new jobs in the Cardiff Bay area including positions for lifeguards, swim instructors, reception staff, maintenance engineers, facilities managers, chefs, and front-of-house hospitality staff.
The plans are currently in the consultation stage, and if given the go-ahead the attraction is planned to operate all-year round, including both the summer and winter months.
The application reads: “By introducing year-round heated open-air pools and saunas, the development creates a resilient, weather-proof attraction.
“This will encourage steady, continuous footfall to the Atlantic Wharf area during the winter months, providing consistent economic support to neighbouring businesses, restaurants, and hotels in Mermaid Quay.”
