Latest news with #CardiffCouncil
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Key decision maker calls on councils to do one thing after question on Stevie Wonder and Alanis Morissette gigs
Key decision maker calls on councils to do one thing after question on Stevie Wonder and Alanis Morissette gigs A Conservative Member of the Senedd asked about the controversial Blackweir Live gigs which have seen a section of Bute Park shut off by green walls A Welsh Government cabinet secretary called on councils to be mindful of the impact of events on public spaces after a question was raised on Blackweir Live in Cardiff (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) A key Welsh decision-maker has called on councils to be mindful of the impact of events on public spaces after questions were raised about controversial gigs planned for a Cardiff park. Conservative Member of the Senedd Joel James asked the Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, about the Blackweir Live gigs at a plenary session. The series of live music events, which will see major acts such as Stevie Wonder, Slayer, and Noah Kahan play at Blackweir Fields, which start on Friday night, has faced opposition since it was announced. Cardiff Council argues the live music events will help generate income to maintain and improve the park in the future but volunteers and other stakeholders, including Friends of Bute Park, say too much of the park will be inaccessible during the summer months. Never miss a Cardiff story and sign up to our newsletter here. Mr James said: "Trefnydd, many residents are increasingly concerned that public green spaces meant for the benefit of the community have been overused by councils for activities they weren't originally designed for, particularly festivals and live music events. "These events not only restrict public access, especially for grassroots sports clubs, but also bring large crowds that can damage the local environment and leave the area in a fragile state. "A current example is Blackweir Fields in Cardiff, a Grade I-listed public green space. Cardiff Council is using it to host a series of concerts from June 27 to July 21 during a time when residents are most likely to use it. Article continues below "A 10ft wall has also been erected around the site making it feel more like a prison than a public park. In light of this could the relevant cabinet secretary provide a statement on the appropriate use of public spaces for festivals and events? Thank you." A massive green wall has been put up around Blackweir Fields. Days later residents expressed their concerns about the changes to the park and the upcoming gigs at a public meeting. You can read what was said here. Conservative Member of the Senedd, Joel James, asked a question about Blackweir Live at plenary this week (Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency ) At the meeting, which was also attended by the leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, people expressed their support for music events in the city but argued that having more gigs at Bute Park was getting the balance wrong. One resident criticised the council of having a "cavalier attitude" to Bute Park in relation to Blackweir Live and another called for a review looking at the long-term impact it will have on the popular green space. Cardiff Council said the green wall around Blackweir Fields will remain in place throughout the events. A huge green wall has been put up around the Blackweir Live site (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) In response to Mr James' question Ms Hutt said: "You do draw attention to events, many of which are sponsored, or organised or proposed, planned by external organisations in terms of the music industry, obviously attracting great public interest and visitor attraction. "So it is very important that local authorities are mindful of the impact and, of course, that they have the responsibilities and the regulations to guide them on these matters." When tickets for Blackweir Live gigs first went on sale Blackweir Fields already had a a licence. Jane Hutt has called for councils to be mindful of the impact of events o public spaces (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) However, this was only for a capacity of up to 25,000 people, which was 10,000 less than the capacity needed to hold the events as planned. It wasn't until April, following a meeting of the council's licensing sub-committee, that a new licence was approved. When asked at the meeting if things had been done the wrong way around a KC representing the council said organisers needed to act quickly to secure global artists. A Cardiff Council spokesman said: 'Public safety and security considerations mean that the fence around the Blackweir Live site will remain in place throughout the events until the event breakdown is complete. 'During this period 108.4 of the park's 130 acres will be open to the public as normal on days when no concerts are taking place – that equates to 83.4% of the park's total area.' 'The council is aware of the recent High Court ruling related to Brockwell Park in London. The details and full implications of the ruling are being reviewed and will be taken into consideration ahead of any future events.' Article continues below
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Demolition set to begin on old Cardiff pub that's earmarked for council housing
Demolition set to begin on old Cardiff pub that's earmarked for council housing Local councillors for Pentwyn said demolition is about to begin more than a year after Cardiff Council approved plans for 11 council homes on the land Demolition is set to begin on The New Penn in Cardiff, which has been empty since 2020 (Image: Google Maps ) A former pub in Cardiff that has been closed for years is set to be demolished in the coming days, according to local councillors. The two Liberal Democrat councillors for Pentwyn, Cllr Joe Carter and Cllr Dan Naughton, posted on their Facebook page, Pentwyn and Llanedeyrn News, that demolition works on The New Penn will begin on Thursday, June 26. Plans to demolish the former pub and turn the site into council housing were approved by Cardiff Council back in April 2024. The post on Pentwyn and Llanedeyrn News states: "We have been alerted by the council that some demolition works will start at the New Penn on Thursday. Never miss a Cardiff story and sign up to our newsletter here. "They are going to demolish the old oil tank at the rear of the New Penn buildings prior to demolishing the whole building. "Lovells are the builders but they haven't confirmed when the full works will start yet." A planning document made by Powell Dobson Architects on behalf of Cardiff Council shows that the plan for the site is to develop it into 11 homes. Article continues below The site will be made up of a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes and include parking, landscaping work, and a new public space. A public consultation revealed that there was "general agreement that family housing is required" in the area according to the planning document on the scheme. However it went on to add that there were some concerns at the time about the continued closure of Pentwyn Leisure Centre following the Covid-19 pandemic and a potential lack of facilities for young people and children. Other concerns that have been raised about the plans are the potential for the development to overlook existing homes and a lack of car parking spaces. One objection submitted to Cardiff Council stated that the proposed scheme would seek to remove a section of road that's currently a single access used for vehicles to turn around on. The proposed access to the housing site is Brynfedw, with the existing access from Circle Way West set to be removed. Homes will be serviced by refuse vehicles via the access adjoining Brynfedw and a bin store will be provided next to the parking area. Other comments the council received following the public consultation welcomed the idea of family housing in the area. The planning document on the scheme states that residents see crime and anti-social behaviour as major issues in the area and that the pub exacerbated this. Article continues below
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Ambition for fourth Welsh medium secondary school in Cardiff 'absolutely there', says city leader
Ambition for fourth Welsh medium secondary school in Cardiff 'absolutely there', says city leader However, the leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, also cautioned that a number of steps need to be met before a new school can be considered The leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, gives hope to campaigners (Image: Ted Peskett ) The leader of Cardiff Council said the ambition is "absolutely there" to open a fourth Welsh-medium secondary school in the city. Cllr Huw Thomas made his comments at a Cardiff Council cabinet meeting on Thursday, June 19, following a question from Liberal Democrats group leader at the local authority Cllr Rodney Berman. Parents in south Cardiff who have to drive their children halfway across the city to go to school are campaigning to get a new Welsh-medium option built closer to where they live. As well as showing some support for their cause Cllr Thomas cautioned that a number of steps need to be met before plans for a new school can progress and stressed that it shouldn't affect existing schools. Never miss a Cardiff story and sign up to our newsletter here. Answering Cllr Berman's question on whether the council could soon be in a position to make a clear commitment on a fourth Welsh-medium school the council leader said: "I think we suffer from decisions around geography that have located the current three Welsh-medium secondary schools... towards the north of the city and in turn that creates [a] long travel distance as we have expanded primary school access to Welsh-medium in the south of the city. "That means unfortunately learners from those areas are having to travel longer than we would like. "I think in terms of the will and ambition to establish a fourth medium school that is absolutely there. Article continues below "What we have to be careful [of]... once we solve the challenging issues of site selection and funding [is] moving forward with an expansion in secondary provision in a way that doesn't destabilise the existing secondary schools either. "Given where we are with birth rates and what is coming through and what we know is coming through the primary system there is confidence in capacity at secondary level currently or certainly that capacity can be managed." Cardiff council data shows that the percentage of pupils admitted to Welsh-medium education has increased from 16.6% to 17.7% between 2014-15 and 2024-25. Data from the local authority also shows that the percentage of four-year-old pupils attending Welsh-medium nursery has gone up from 13.8% in 2017-18 to 19.7% in 2024-25. The existing Welsh-medium secondary schools in Cardiff are Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern. Campaigners calling for a fourth school have gathered outside Cardiff Council's headquarters at County Hall a number of times over the past year and continue to put pressure on Cardiff Council and Cllr Thomas to enact a plan for the future. Article continues below Cllr Thomas told cabinet members that he intends to meet with campaigners and "work together to chart a way forward on this".
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
When roads will close in Cardiff as Oasis and major artists perform in city and train arrangements
When roads will close in Cardiff as Oasis and major artists perform in city and train arrangements Cardiff Council has announced road closures as transportation arrangements which will be in place Thousands of music fans will be visiting Cardiff over the coming weeks (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Cardiff Council has announced when roads around the Principality Stadium will close as major music artists perform at the home of Welsh rugby. A series of concerts will be held at the stadium from July 4 to August 1. And to ensure that all those attending the concerts can get into and out of the stadium safely, surrounding roads will close. The road closure timings have now been released to allow fans to plan their trip to and from the city. They are as follows for the Oasis, Stereophonics, Kendrick Lamar and Catfish and the Bottlemen gigs. The gates to the stadium will open at 5pm for each concert. Oasis - July 4 and July 5 - 12 noon until midnight Stereophonics - July 11 and July 12 - 3pm until midnight Kendrick Lamar - July 19 - 3pm until midnight Catfish and the Bottlemen - August 1 - 3pm until midnight A spokesman for Cardiff Council said: "The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy for these concerts - so please plan ahead - and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park and ride at the car park by the Vindico Arena on International Drive in the Sports Village - CF11 0JS. "For up to date traffic information on the motorway and trunk roads go to the Traffic Wales website, or @TrafficWalesS on Twitter and Facebook. Article continues below "Anyone attending these concerts are strongly advised to plan their journey in advance and get into Cardiff early. Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city." Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here . What roads will be closed? From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will be closed because of the need to prepare gate five and protect queuing fans. Apart from the Oasis concerts, when the roads will close at 12 noon, the following roads will be closed as part of the full city centre road closure which will take place at 3pm until midnight. Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street. Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street. Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted via Fitzhammon Embankment). Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted). The following roads will be closed in their entirety: Duke Street, Castle St, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street and Scott Road. Station Terrace and Guildford Street from the junction with Newport Road to the junction with Churchill Way will be access for buses only during the times of the road closures. This is to ensure that there is reliable access for buses to the satellite points in Churchill Way. Additionally, Penarth Road will be closed 30 minutes before the concerts finish and for up to an hour after they finish, on safety grounds - for train passengers arriving and departing from the train station. Civic centre Access to part of the civic centre will be controlled throughout the day, with access allowed only for event parking, limited commuter parking, loading and access to private car parks. Roads affected include King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road. Train service arrangements To help manage the expected increase in passenger numbers, Transport for Wales (TfW) and Great Western Railway (GWR) will operate additional and strengthened services (trains with more carriages than usual) to get customers to and from the events smoothly. But some engineering works may impact services, and passengers are urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey. The start of Oasis's sell-out tour will see GWR operate six extra trains to get people home again, providing almost 4,000 additional seats, for each of the two nights. For all events, those looking to travel by train are warned to check the time of their last train home, and to allow plenty of time. A queuing system will begin from 10pm and the queuing for mainline rail services will be on Central Square with the Valley queues at the rear of the station. Cardiff bus interchange will close at 12 noon for the Oasis concerts and at 3pm for the remaining concerts. Cardiff Queen Street Station will close at 10pm, unless customers have accessible requirements or are travelling to Cardiff Bay. Revenue protection inspectors will conduct ticket checks both before and after the events. Park and ride The event park and ride facilities will be using the car park by Vindico Arena on International Drive in the Sports Village, Cardiff Bay - CF11 0JS. The drop of point in the city centre is on Tresillian Way. Staff will be on site at 9am, but the first bus into the city centre will leave at 11am. The last bus back from the city centre will be at 12 midnight with the site closing soon after. The cost is £15. Cash only. Parking Civic centre event day parking (cars and coaches) Getting there: Exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre and follow signage to the civic centre. Cost: £20 payable on the day for cars and £30 for coaches - card payments are also now available. Parking time: The car park will open at 8am and closes at 12 midnight. Sophia Gardens (cars) Getting there: Exit junction 32 off the M4 Cost: £20 for cars and £30 for coaches - card payments are now available. Parking time: Car park opens at 8.00am and closes at 12 midnight. Please note: Sophia Gardens car park will be staffed until 7pm all vehicles are left on site at the owner's risk. Cardiff Council says it will not be held responsible for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal possessions., and that any vehicles left in the car park after closing time will be fined. Buses Local bus services will be diverted while the city centre road closures are in place. National Express coaches will use Sophia Gardens as usual. Article continues below Taxis For the Oasis concerts, St Mary Street taxi rank (outside the former House of Fraser building) will close at 12 noon. For the remaining concerts, the taxi rank will close at 3pm and will re-open at midnight.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Cardiff road closures and travel advice for Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Slayer and Stevie Wonder at Blackweir Live
Cardiff road closures and travel advice for Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Slayer and Stevie Wonder at Blackweir Live The new venue will see roads closed, railway station closure and travel restrictions Blackweir Fields in Cardiff has been turned into a summer music venue (Image: John Myers ) This summer Cardiff will be filled with thousands of music fans as events take place across the capital. A new concert venue, Blackweir Fields, will be hosting popular artists over the two weeks including Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Slayer, and Stevie Wonder. From Friday, June 27 to Wednesday July 9, Blackweir Live will host a series of concerts at the fields in Bute Park, resulting in road closures and travel restrictions in the Welsh capital. The following events will be taking place at Blackweir Fields this summer: Audience members are expected to enter and exit Blackweir Fields through Bute Park using entrances into the park at North Gate, Corbett Road, and through the West Gate on Castle Street. Four pedestrian bridges have been temporarily been installed over the dock feeder canal for public safety. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here In recent days, controversy has surrounded the concert venue as a large wall has been constructed surrounding Blackweir fields, creating an unsightly view contrasting the normal view of the park. Read all about that here. Road closures Road closure plan for the Blackweir Live events (Image: Cardiff Council ) City centre road closures will take place from 4pm to midnight for each of the events. Castle Street throughout its length, from its junction with Westgate Street Duke Street and Kingsway North Road from its junction with Colum Road throughout to Boulevard De Nantes; Boulevard De Nantes at its junction with Park Place (Access for buses and taxis/residents will be managed to Greyfriars Road) Cowbridge Road East from Cathedral Road through to its junction with Westgate Street with access to Westgate Street being permitted. From 7am, access to part of the Civic Centre will be controlled throughout the day. Roads affected include: King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road. The right-hand turn from Colum Road into Corbett Road will also be suspended for the road closure times to permit and manage access to residents and businesses off Corbett Road. Trains Transport for Wales has confirmed that they will be closing the Cathays station after the event at 10pm for each event for the safety of passengers. Access will remain for accessibility requirements only and for customers alighting. The Penarth Road car park at Cardiff Central station will be closed from 6am to midnight on the day of each event. Additional services and extra carriages to existing services will be put in place by Great Western Rail and Transport for Wales during the Blackweir Live events. A post-event queuing system will be in place at Cardiff Central station by line of route, with Valleys at the rear and all other routes will be located at the front of Central Square. Parking There are no park and ride facilities available for the Blackweir Live events. Parking is available at the Civic Centre and Sophia Gardens from 8am until midnight for £20 a day for cars and £30 a day for coaches. To get to the Civic Centre you can exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre and follow signage to the civic centre. For Sophia Gardens parking exit junction 32 off the M4. City centre car parks such as St David's Shopping Centre, John Lewis, Capitol Shopping Centre, and NCP (Adam Street, Dumfries Place and Greyfriars Road) will also be available for those traveling by car. Cycling The cycleways and the pop-up cycleways within the road closure area will remain open for cyclists to use during the events, but North Road Cycleway will be diverted to facilitate the event set up and break down. Article continues below On concert days a short diversion via a like for like bi-directional alternative route, will be in place. All diversions will be clearly signposted.
