Skyscrapers unveiled (From Penarth Times)

Skyscrapers unveiled

A PENARTH residents' association has dubbed the three skyscrapers which will change the Cardiff Bay skyline forever the "slums of the future."

Three towers, one of which will be 36 storeys high, will be built near the site of the International Sports Village at a cost of £200 million.

Alwyn Evans, spokesperson for the Penarth Marina Residents Association, said: "This is clearly over-development of the site.

"There will be 1,800 more residential units on the site than in the original plans

"What we are doing here is building the slums of the future. It shows we have learned nothing from the 1960s and 1970s.

"To give people an idea of the visual impact of this project, these towers will be over three times as high as the new buildings at Victoria Wharf.

"And the impact of traffic on the already over-congested Cogan Spur roundabout will be horrendous."

The project will cover a 5.2 hectare site, providing 997 units of residential accommodation.

The developers say the scheme will offer quality public open space, an external events area, retail space and a number of waterside features.

The three towers will be called Mizzen, Genoa and Spinnaker.

Further accommodation will be provided in two additional developments which will include a mix of town houses and one, two and three bedroom apartments.

Project Director Eugene Travers Jones said: "The architectural concept has been imaginatively developed to create an exciting environment for both residents and visitors.

"By retaining green open spaces interspersed with water-based landscaping features we have been able to ensure the site provides plenty of accommodation without feeling overdeveloped."

The proposal will be put forward for planning permission early in 2006 and work is expected to commence on site later next year.