Liverpool-based Signature Living started work on a multi-million pound project to reopen and transform Cardiff’s historic Coal Exchange yesterday (Thursday 4 August 2016).

Cardiff and Penarth AM Vaughan Gething and Signature Living co-founder, Lawrence Kenwright, joined the newly appointed workforce and local apprentices from Cardiff and Vale College who set to work on the development that will see the Grade II listed building transformed into a luxury 200-suite hotel, wedding and events venue.

Over two hundred full, part-time and temporary construction jobs will be created as part of the 180,000 Sq ft £35million redevelopment.

Signature Living successfully saw off over one hundred rival bids for the much-loved landmark after promising to preserve all of its original features. The company has appointed an expert team to start work on the project who will sensitively manage the preservation of the century old building.

The new development will also include a heritage area that will be dedicated to the building’s illustrious history including the First World War memorial in the grand hall.

Signature Living is also engaging with community groups on plans for a small museum to celebrate the history of the wider Cardiff Bay area.

The first phase of the development will focus on restoring the front end of the structure, which will contain hotel rooms and a brand new reception area and Signature Living expects the development to be fully complete by spring 2017.

Signature Living co-founder, Lawrence Kenwright, said:

“Today marks the beginning a new, exciting and long-term future for this great building and we’re thrilled to finally get work underway. It is our first major development outside of Liverpool.

“We intend to save the Coal Exchange by transforming it into something the whole of Wales can be proud of once again. We’re not just creating a luxury hotel and first class events space, this development will have the community at its heart as demonstrated by our commitment to creating a heritage area and museum. Our vision is for this to be a place that local people can call home too.”

Cardiff and Penarth AM, Vaughan Gething, added:

“I am delighted that work is now underway on Signature Living’s project to regenerate the Coal Exchange. The new hotel, conference and events facility will significantly boost the local economy, create jobs and apprenticeship opportunities and will further add to regeneration efforts in the area. I am particularly pleased that this project will preserve the heritage of this iconic building and that the local community will be engaged on the creation of a small museum to celebrate its history.”

Award winning hotel operator and developer Signature Living has a track record of restoring historic buildings. In 2013, the company won praise for their restoration of Liverpool’s Grade II listed Albion House, which was once home to the Titanic’s White Star Line headquarters. The company converted the historic site into one of the city’s most elegant hotels.