Meridian Gate, Cardiff

Meridian Gate (Welsh: Porth Meridian) is a hotel and residential skyscraper complex in Cardiff, Wales. It has two buildings, the taller of which is 63 metres high, has 21 floors – the largest hotel in the city; it is operated by Radisson Blu. It is the joint-fifth tallest building in Cardiff. The smaller building, Meridian Plaza, is 33 metres high, has 11 floors and contains luxury residential apartments.

Meridian Gate
Radisson Blu hotel (left) and Meridian Plaza (right)
General information
TypeResidential and Hotel
LocationCardiff, Wales
AddressBute Terrace, Cardiff city centre
Coordinates51.4769°N 3.1737°W / 51.4769; -3.1737 (Meridian Gate)
Construction started2007
Completed2009
Cost£30,000,000/$34,083,000
ClientImperial Properties Ltd
OwnerRadisson Blu (hotel),
Delph (apartments)
Height63 metres
Technical details
Floor count21
Floor area250,000 sq ft
Design and construction
Architecture firmWigley Fox Architects.ltd
Structural engineerRVW
Services engineerMcCann
Other designersJohn Wootton, Miller Group,
Distinction Contract (Furnishings)
Main contractorMiller Group

History
Meridian Gate
Meridian Gate during construction in 2007
Meridian Gate in 2011

The building was proposed in early 2004,[1] obtaining planning consent shortly afterwards. A full application was submitted in 2006 after a change of developer. The site was bought by Radisson Blu, a major international hotel group requiring a prime site in central Cardiff for an upmarket hotel and a 36-unit residential element.

The building topped out in mid-2008.[2]

Architecture and design

The public open space is a mix of hard and soft landscaping. The Barcelona lights were retained but moved, and a statue of Jim Driscoll was placed on an elevated stone plinth. A few parking spaces are allotted, given the central location: 40 spaces allocated for residents, and 35 for the hotel on an anticipation that 80% of hotel users use public transport.

The hotel tower has a glazed curtain walling with solar reflective glass and aluminium projecting fins. The intention was to broadly follow the finishes and colours on Callaghan Square and Kingsway.

Cardiff Council welcomed the slimness of the tower and the increased glazing which creates a strong focal point in the cityscape. The planning officials wanted to see a distinctive roof feature to add to the landmark. The quality of the detailed design was deemed axiomatic, so formally conditioned. High quality materials were required, and the precast concrete panelling was therefore of some concern. The Council required contribution towards repaving the southern side of Bute Terrace and towards a crossing for the street.[3]

Review recommendation
Meridian Gate and Altolusso to the right

A concern of the review panel of Design Commission for Wales was that the building needed to respect the height of the neighbouring Altolusso building, another of Cardiff's tallest buildings. Consequently, a slight improvement in the spacing between the westernmost wing of the Altolusso and the new residential tower was made.

Hotel facilities

The hotel has 215 rooms on 21 floors, two bars, a restaurant, and health spa.[4][5] [6] There are six meeting rooms and a ballroom that provide a capacity of 350 people. The pre-conference area has a capacity of 150.[7]

See also

References
  1. January a positive start to 2007 for Cardiff
  2. Miller | Meridian Gate
  3. Design Commission for Wales | Meridian Gate Design Review Report Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Radisson Blu Cardiff | Rooms
  5. Radisson Blu Cardiff | Dining Archived 16 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  6. Radisson Blu Cardiff | Services
  7. Radisson Blu Cardiff | Meetings
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