Wales' tallest skyscraper gets go-ahead for construction as city plans ambitious regeneration

The skyscraper will also have lounges, dining rooms, co-working areas, a cinema, gym and spa within the first three floors.

A separate two-storey building will also sit next to the tower, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It is set to surpass the nation's current tallest building, the 29-storey Meridian Tower in Swansea, which stands at 107 metres.

The tower is expected to be the second-tallest building outside of London, if built to the proposed height, with only Deansgate Tower Square South Tower in Manchester (200 metres) surpassing its height.

The development will be built in Central Square, and will be within a short walking distance from Central Station and the Principality Stadium.

The proposed structure will assume plots four and five of the "Central Square Masterplan".

Planning permission was secured on the same site for a 35-story mixed-use tower in 2023.

Fresh plans were then submitted for the 50-storey development by Reap 3 Limited in 2025.

During the council planning meeting on Thursday, councillors discussed concerns that the view of the skyscraper from Cardiff Castle would have a negative impact.

Reap 3 said the design had taken "tonal references" from nearby buildings, while the architects running the project, 5Plus Architects, said parts of the facade would feature "subtle references to Welsh Celtic symbols" drawn from Wales' "rich visual heritage and identity".

Planning documents read: "We have taken tonal references from the city skyline, civic buildings and the adjacent buildings within Central Square.

"White Portland Stone features on several of Cardiff’s significant civic buildings, and many of the taller city centre buildings feature light tonal facade elements.

"Our facade and material proposals must sit comfortably within the city context and also provide a well-mannered facade when viewed from a distance."

Councillors also disagreed with the concerns raised. Cllr Sean Driscoll described the development as an "exclamation mark on the city," while Cllr Michael Michael said: "I see nothing but good in this application".

Meanwhile, Cllr Simon Gilbert likened the skyscraper "to the Flat Iron building in New York".

An officer's report for the committee said that, although not all concerns mentioned could be resolved, there are "clear and substantial benefits of the scheme which are considered to outweigh the concerns".

Councillors ultimately voted nine in favour of the development, with just one against.