The Wales Millennium CentreThe waterfront, its restaurants and twinkling waters are an undoubted draw for visitors with figures from the turn of the century indicating roughly 2 million visitors per year; this since has likely risen considerably following the completion of new attractions. The main attractions include the visitor centre (known locally as 'the tube'), the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Techniquest and the bars and restaurants at Mermaid Quay. Also popular are the Cat-cruises, the land-train and the walking tours and the area also so sees many festivals of local, national and international standing including the Welsh Food Festival, and the MAS Carnival. The housing is of generally high density, in keeping with the government's plans for brownfield development. Some have misgivings about this arguing that it is preventing the development of a true community, including young families in the bay area. House prices are high by local, although not national standards, and with many of the properties snapped up by 'buy to let' speculators, first time buyers are not as common as they young age profile would suggest. Some have argued that some of the housing developments, particularly in the early Atlantic Wharf projects are of low quality, and worry that these districts may enter a period of slow decline. Later residential developments on the bay itself are generally seen to be of higher quality.
The proposed International Sports Village (ISV) on the Ferry Road peninsular has progressed less quickly than originally hoped and completion in time to be used as a 2012 Olympic training venue is dependent upon selection as the site of a regional casino; if Cardiff fails in its bid, the local authority estimates that the ISV will not be completed until 2014. The density of housing and retail elements have been scaled up, reflecting commercial necessities, and in ensure a mix-used scheme that makes best use of the minimal available space left to develop in the bay area; however, it has been pointed out that these have entailed a scaling-back of some aspects of the proposed development (such as an athletics stadium). At present the only buildings completed or under construction include a Morrisons superstore, the largest Toys-r-Us in Europe, and temporary timber framed ice rink that replaces the one demolished as part of the St Davids II development in the city centre. Foundations for a 50m pool and leisure water complex have been laid out, and construction of this, together with the proposed "Welsh National Canoe and Rafting Centre" is scheduled to take place in 2007, at which time the main residential element will commence over a 6 year time-frame. The construction of the two superstores has been criticised by some quarters as 'unwanted and unnecessary', however it can also be argued that both meet an identifiable need; Morrisons, by reducing the dominance of Tesco and Asda on the local grocery market; and Toys-R-Us by replacing the demolished store in the city-centre.
The Pierhead Building in Cardiff BayWith the exception of a few historic buildings (the Pierhead building, the Norwegian Church and a warehouse or two), most of the historic quayside areas have been, or will be, lined with new developments including housing, shops, offices, restaurants, a cinema and other leisure facilities, and a new £67 million home for the National Assembly for Wales, designed by Richard Rogers. The bay is also home to the Wales Millennium Centre and is now home to many welsh design and production companies. Making Cardiff Bay a design and media quater.
