St David's Centre, Cardiff

Originally St. David’s shopping centre, the new St David’s Centre has taken over the southeast part of Cardiff city centre and provided a whole new concept in shopping in the area. 

Arranged over two floors (sometimes more within a store) the centre offers a wide range of retail outlets of all sizes, including the John Lewis flagship store. There are specialist arcades, each featuring a particular type of purchase, such as jewellery, accessories and beauty products. 

St David’s Centre is very geared to family shopping and the children who visit. There are activities and events provided for the young, around the centre through the year. There is also a child safety scheme in operation. When visiting the centre with youngsters, it is probably best to go to the information desk for details of the safety scheme and a list of what’s on that day. 

Although the centre does not wish anyone to be ill or hurt whilst visiting, the organisers are aware that it can happen, particularly at busy times. With this in mind, each weekend there are paramedics patrolling the centre on bicycles and on call for any emergency.     

As you would expect in Wales, music is never far away. In various venues throughout the centre, there are regular musical events throughout the year. These can range from performances by local choirs in the main open spaces to Jazz evenings in one of the cafés.  

To delight the eye, there is also a regular Art Trail through the centre and linking with the immediate area around it. Displays are generally by local artists. For some cerebral activity, there is a chess area within the centre and a direct link to the brand new central library next door. 

Being so central to the city, access is very clear and easy. The main line railway station and the adjacent bus station are a very short walk away. The road from the M4 to the city is wide and clearly signposted, as are the car parks. There are 2,000 parking spaces available on a pay and display basis above the centre as well as other city centre parking.