Multimillion golf venue plans for Cardiff Bay as velodrome proposals dropped

A multi-million golf entertainment venue could be built in Cardiff Bay as previous plans for a velodrome are scrapped.

Cardiff Council’s cabinet is set to decide whether to allow Topgolf to build at the site of the former Toys R Us.

Topgolf, which has three other sites in the UK, is planning ‘a significant investment’ according to the council that would see hi-tech golf games, food and drink, all-weather hitting bays, and music at the International Sports Village (ISV).

If approved on January 23, this would replace previous plans, which included the development of a ‘state-of-the-art’ velodrome and a closed-loop circuit.

The velodrome would have replaced the Maindy Cycle Track and allowed for the construction of a new Cathays High School at Maindy Park.

Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway, said: "Boosting our economy and delivering more jobs for local people by establishing Cardiff Bay as a leading UK visitor destination is a key part of our vision for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener for the city.

“The proposed investment by Topgolf in creating their first attraction in Wales, as part of our wider masterplan for the International Sports Village, is also to be welcomed.”

Cost of velodrome increased by £3m

In a report which will be presented at the upcoming cabinet meeting the ‘completion of the ISV development’ is still listed as ‘a key priority’ and also sheds light on the changed plans.

Now a new site has now been found for Cathays High School (close to the current site) the Maindy Cycle Track no longer needs to be relocated.

Costs also factor in - not moving the school will save the Council's Education Department money as the previous plans would have relied on substantial funding from the department. Costs of the velodrome itself had also increased from £6m to over £9m due to inflation and interest rates.

The report adds that the closed-loop circuit along with the velodrome ‘would require significant changes to the existing road network’ but added that the council ‘intends to continue dialogue with governing bodies regarding the potential to deliver a closed-loop circuit in the city’.

If approved, Topgolf would have 18 months to secure planning permission and enter a lease at the former Toys R Us.

Cardiff Council's Cabinet will discuss the plans on January 23 - they will also consider restoring the ISV boardwalk and a temporary car park of 400 spaces in the area.