New photos show remarkable demolition work on iconic Cardiff building
New photos show remarkable demolition work on iconic Cardiff building
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New photos released by Prichard’s show the remarkable demolition work currently taking place to convert the old Howells building in Cardiff city centre.
The iconic building, which housed the House of Fraser store for many years, has since been acquired by a high-profile developer with plans to transform the block into high-end residential units, retail space, offices, and hotel accommodation. At the heart of the redevelopment, the former Bethany Chapel is set to take pride of place as a proposed high-end dining venue.
Led by Alex Murphy, Demolition Contracts Manager at Prichard’s, the photos reveal the inside of the building being hollowed out to form a central courtyard.
Speaking to Businessin Wales, Pippa Prichard, Director at Prichard’s Holdings, said: “Aside from the complex logistics posed by the tight city centre location, the age of the many structures that make up the former Howells building means that the frontage is Grade II listed, along with the chapel that lay enveloped by the multiple shop fit-outs the complex has undergone over the years.
“In order to protect the building’s key heritage elements, including the chapel, they are supported by demolition scaffolding and have been identified throughout the wider site to ensure they are salvaged for future use.”
The Howells Building was originally established as a department store by James Howell in the 19th century and became part of the House of Fraser group in 1972. It was rebranded under the House of Fraser name in 2010. In 2018, the business entered administration, after which all stores were acquired by millionaire businessman and Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley.
Prichard continued: “In order to achieve the client’s end goal, we are essentially carving out the centre of the buildings to form a courtyard and public open space. To do this, we are working closely with both the client and our own structural engineers to install steel propping systems that ensure the building’s stability. Due to our expansive in-house capabilities, all steel fabrication is carried out internally by our research and development team.
“The undertaking of such a high-profile and technically complex contract as this requires extensive expertise in the demolition industry, delivered in spades by our site team and the wider Prichard’s group.”
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