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Floating hotel planned for Cardiff Bay waterfront

Paul Pigott
BBC News
Meyer Floating Solutions A artist's impression of the floating hotel shows it moored to the end of Roath Basin near Britannia Park, which has trees, grass and paths along the quay. The hotel itself looked like a cruise ship, with just a flat bow and stern. It is white, four-storeys tall and has a terrace and solar panels on the roof. Meyer Floating Solutions
The 120-room luxury destination would be moored near Britannia Park on Roath Basin

A 120-room floating hotel could be moored in Cardiff Bay by 2027 under a proposal by developers.

Plans have been revealed by Finnish company Meyer Floating Solutions and the UK's Morfield Floating Hotels for the boutique hotel on a dedicated berth in Roath Basin near the city's landmark Norwegian Church.

A 15,000-seat arena being built in Cardiff Bay means there is "room for another hotel", said Meyer's agent John Moore.

"We're able to deliver these hotels in around 16 months," he said, adding the project would create up to 35 permanent jobs.

London and Edinburgh already have floating hotels, he said, but this would be a first for Cardiff.

He described the plans as "unique" and "different", adding "the attraction of being on the water is the main thing".

Mr Moore said the non-self-propelled floating hotel would be manufactured off-site and delivered to Cardiff, if plans are approved.

It would then be connected to utilities, sewage and water.

There would be emergency parking in front of the hotel and a bay for deliveries, while also utilising existing car parks in the area.

Geograph | GarethJames A schooner with a blue and red hull and white decking and masts is moored alongside Britannia Quay in Cardiff Bay.Geograph | GarethJames
Britannia Quay on Roath Basin in Cardiff Bay could have a new resident boat

What about walkers and cyclists who use the area?

"Keep biking, keep walking, and stop in for a coffee," Mr Moore said.

Meyer Floating Solutions A map of Roath basin, showing where the hotel would be beside Britannia park Meyer Floating Solutions

The hotel itself would have a "high-tech" design and layout, with electronic check-in.

Mr Moore said the floating hotel concept was "catching on because real estate is so expensive and here you've got underutilised water space".

A planning application is being prepared, with a public consultation expected in the coming months.