Cardiff’s “continental” facelift · Issue 873, by Emma Barlow

Cardiff city centre’s Charles Street is set to undergo a facelift in an attempt to bring a “continental café” feel to the capital.

Cardiff council will spend £200,000 on the makeover, which will include the construction of a seating zone, cycle stands and an eating area and the planting of trees.

The street will be re-paved to give it a similar look to Queen Street, and five new twin lantern lighting columns will be put in place to enhance the trees.

Cardiff Council’s Executive Member for traffic and transportation Delme Bowen said of the plans: “We want these changes to transform the whole of Charles Street for visitors, churchgoers, workers, shoppers and businesses.

“This is an improvement scheme in one of the gateway streets leading onto Queen Street and the works will further enhance the city centre as a whole.”

As well as the planned changes to Charles Street, a recent survey by the South Wales Echo found that many Cardiff residents would also favour full pedestrianisation of St Mary Street.

It is thought that this would allow Cardiff’s café culture to flourish.

Meme Sgroi, a second year Language and Communication student, said: “I think it’s a fantastic idea.

“I love the feel of the cafés and outside seating areas you get abroad and it would be great to simulate this in Cardiff, especially in the summer.”

But some independent traders are worried that the transformation may detract from the many unique arcades and shops in the area.

One shop owner said: “You’ve got to maintain a character and not lose that balance, there is a danger of all the UK’s cities becoming anonymous.”