The anticipated reopening of Cardiff’s iconic St David’s Hall has been postponed once more, with the venue likely to remain closed for a longer period than initially expected. Cardiff Council had previously projected that the city’s primary classical music venue would reopen by 2025. However, the new operators, Academy Music Group (AMG), have yet to obtain the necessary listed building consent to begin essential repair work.

This delay means that St David’s Hall, located on The Hayes in Cardiff city centre, may not reopen until 2026. AMG, which took on the responsibility for managing the venue in April 2024, is reportedly preparing to submit an application for the required permissions.

During a recent Cardiff Council meeting, Liberal Democrats group leader Cllr Rodney Berman voiced his concerns, asking, “How long will the people of Cardiff have to wait until they are able to safely attend events at the hall again?” In response, Cllr Jennifer Burke, the council’s cabinet member for culture, sports, and parks, explained that the building’s listed status has significantly extended the repair process. She also highlighted that once all the necessary planning approvals are secured, the repairs could take up to 18 months to complete.

This discussion followed an earlier Cardiff Council governance and audit committee meeting in July, where a senior officer reassured attendees that there were no concerns about the timing of the repair works at St David’s Hall, despite Cllr Berman raising similar issues.

In a recent statement, Cllr Burke added, “The council understands that AMG has completed its survey and is preparing an application for the works. At this stage, we cannot say for sure how long the works might take. That will depend on what the works entail, securing approval, and AMG’s timelines, which they will coordinate with their chosen contractor. The council is, of course, eager to see St David’s Hall reopen as soon as possible and ready to entertain audiences for many more years.”

An inspection conducted at St David’s Hall last year revealed that the roof requires a complete replacement due to the deteriorating condition of the ceiling panels. This inspection followed updated health and safety guidance concerning reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a lightweight material known to become prone to sudden failure as it ages.

Cllr Berman expressed his disappointment over the extended closure, stating, “Since closing in September 2023, we have yet to see any work begin on repairing the roof of St David’s Hall. This delay is causing significant setbacks, including the cancellation of important cultural events like the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, which was scheduled for 2025. It’s evident that the original reopening date will be significantly delayed, affecting Cardiff’s standing as the cultural capital of Wales.”