The site of a House of Fraser store in Cardiff city centre is set to be upgraded with new leisure, food and beverage, and entertainment spaces.

The UK retailer will continue to feature at the complex, which will also include office and residential units.

Situated on a 1.7-acre site on St Mary Street, the historic Howells building currently operates as a department store. This work will see the site become a new state-of-the-art leisure and entertainment destination and commercial hub.

Consultancy Gleeds will project manage the scheme from inception through to final delivery, as well as working on cost management.

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Simon Williams, Director at Gleeds, said: "As shopping patterns evolve, we're seeing a significant shift in how communities across the UK are living and working, and what they need from their local city centres. The redevelopment of the Howells building from a department store to a mixed-use destination will create a focal point for leisure, entertainment, work and shopping, drawing both residents and visitors to Cardiff and increasing footfall for existing businesses."

This project is being developed by Naissance Capital Real Estate, who acquired the site in 2016.

Azeemeh Zaheer, CEO of Naissance Capital Real Estate, added: "We're excited to be embarking on this journey to create a city within the city of Cardiff, which will create jobs, draw visitors and celebrate the history of the Howells building, maximising its potential. Our plan is to develop a mixed-use scheme that enhances the cityscape, draws visitors to Cardiff and provides a current destination for residents to work and play in."

Phase 1 of the remodelling works is due to commence this week to inform ongoing design development.

(CM/JG)