Central Quays is one of the largest regeneration projects in Wales on the former Brains Brewery site in central Cardiff. The development preserves the iconic brewhouse chimney while introducing high-rise residential towers, office space, hotel, retail, and leisure facilities.

Our customer, M&M Fixings and contractor WK Plasterers, selected ARBO® FR RS specifically on this scheme due to their positive past experience with the product. This customer-driven decision highlights CARLISLE® products and confidence in their performance.

At the heart of Central Quays' buildings are our facade solutions – ARBO® FR-RS Fire Tape, with the class B rating it creates an airtight and fire-safe detailing around the window and door frames, and ARBOSHIELD Pro® Class A Air & Vapour Control Layer (VCL). WK Plasterers have installed our products on previous projects and decided to continue with the specification on this project.

The project itself is a regeneration of Cardiff’s former Brains Brewery site, blending heritage with modern living. Two landmark residential towers, rising 24 and 29 storeys, are being delivered alongside leisure, retail, hotel, office, and public spaces, with the iconic brewhouse chimney preserved as a centrepiece.

Breaking ground in March 2023, the build quickly gathered momentum and is advancing towards phased handover in late 2025.

Sitting on the River Taff, the development is exposed to rain and wind, requiring a robust sealant solution capable of maintaining performance in tough weather. ARBO® FR-RS Fire Tape met that challenge, giving the contractor confidence to press ahead with installations despite narrow time frames.

CARLISLE® provided regular site inspections, training, and technical support throughout – ensuring WK Plasterers could deliver at pace while maintaining the high standards expected on one of Wales’ most significant regeneration schemes.

• Location: Cardiff

• Client/Developer: Watkin Jones

• Architect: Rightacres, Rio Architects, FCH Architects

• Main Contractor: Watkin Jones

• Installer: WK Plasterers/CDL Partitions Ltd

• Distributor: MandM Fixings

• M&E Contractor: Kimpton

• Project Scope:

• - ~715 build-to-rent apartments across two towers (24-29 storeys)

• - 19,000 - 20,000 ft² of leisure and retail space

• - Hotel and office buildings

• - New public squares and riverside amenities
  
  Products used:
  

• ARBO® FR RS (Class B, fire rated)

• Class A Vapour Control Layer (VCL)