Cardiff councillors are set to decide on the future of a former ambulance depot at Blackweir Fields in Bute Park, the Welsh capital's largest park. Plans have been submitted to transform the building into a new base for the city's park service.
The building has been largely vacant since the Welsh Ambulance Service left the site in 2022. On November 19, the council will consider whether to develop a full business case for relocating its park service from its current Wedal Road depot into Bute Park following a total refurbishment.
Depot relocation proposal
Around two-thirds of the council's vehicles are stored at the Wedal Road depot, but significant maintenance issues plague the site and would require major investment to remain in use in the long term. Under the proposal, the council would investigate whether selling the current site could fund the total redevelopment of the former ambulance depot, which would bring the building back into full-time use and provide improved facilities for park workers.
If approved, the proposal's design would use natural materials to fit the parkland setting. Changing room and storage facilities used during the summer months by local sports teams would be retained under the scheme.
Next steps and scrutiny
Cllr Jennifer Burke, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "This is a potential opportunity to find a new long-term use for a building that has stood largely empty for several years, while also providing better facilities for our parks team.
"Bute Park is an important and sensitive location so any proposal needs to be carefully considered. The next stage would allow us to test the plans properly, including the practical and financial details, before any final decision is made."
Before the cabinet meeting, the proposal will be scrutinised by the council's economy and culture scrutiny committee on November 17.
