£7.5m Bay hotel complex

Property developers Brun-swick and Chepstow-based Broadhall, both of which have extensive interests in Gwent, have unveiled proposals for the scheme at Queensgate South, Cardiff Bay.

They have set up a joint venture to transform the four-acre site adjoining the Atlantic Wharf UCI leisure complex opposite county hall.

As the main anchor to the scheme, Scottish and New-castle is taking an 85-bedroom Premier Lodge hotel on site.

Meanwhile negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage with major national operators for the development of two drive-through fast food outlets and a 25,000 sq ft fitness and leisure club.

The scheme aims to include 200 parking spaces and recreational area around the open dock feeder canal running through the site.

Broadhall director Elizabeth Fathi said: "We are excited to be putting in place another piece of the Cardiff Bay jigsaw.

"This is a quality development in a vibrant location and we are looking forward to seeing it take shape when work starts later this year."

Brunswick development director Roger Dean said: "Both Broadhall and we are encouraged by having already secured Scottish and Newcastle. The commitment in advance from a leading hotel operator is a major factor in ensuring the success of the project."

The Queensgate site, with planning permission already granted, has been acquired from Grosvenor Waterside, a key player in the regeneration of Cardiff Bay.

Work is due to start in October and is expected to be completed by November 2002. Grosvenor Waterside development director Andrew Brooks said: "We are very pleased with Brunswick and Broadhall's development proposals for this site which will undoubtedly become a significant part of the continued success of the inner harbour."

The joint venture between Brunswick Develop-ments and Broadhall will trade as Brunswick (Queensgate).

Joint agents for the project are EJ Hales and Hutchings & Thomas with HLN Architects as project architects and Bay Associates as project engineers.