This site is at the moment one of the biggest sites in central Cardiff. QCL is designing temporary works for different structures, working as an established partner with one of Wales’ premier demolition contractors.

The extent of design works includes strengthening the existing structures to allow access for heavy machinery, checking the building’s stability during demolition, stabilising the existing structures to be used in the redevelopment, and general day-to-day consultancy services. The department store was built over the span of almost 100 years. Part of the store is a historic chapel that is listed by CADW, and demolition works are also affecting historic neighbouring buildings, including Cardiff Market. This makes the whole project demanding and interesting at the same time due to the different building styles and materials used.

The photos show steel sway frames three stories tall installed in the North side of the existing building that will be redeveloped as a hotel. The sway frames provide lateral stability to the load-bearing wall after the floors are taken down.