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GLOBAL AWARD FOR CARDIFF BAY DEVELOPMENT |
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GLOBAL AWARD FOR CARDIFF BAY DEVELOPMENT
The incredible changing face of a major part of Cardiff has helped the city win a worldwide award for sustainability.
The regeneration of Cardiff Bay has been honoured with a prestigious “Sustainable Cities Award” by the Globe Forum.
Voted for by a panel of experts based in Sweden the award aims to honour societies, individuals or companies that have excelled in the area of sustainable development. It has been presented to Cardiff by the Crown Princess of Sweden at a high profile ceremony held at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm.
Through an innovative public-private partnership Cardiff Bay led much of the city’s regeneration after the difficult period of deindustrialisation, transforming an area in general decline into one of the most attractive waterfront destinations in Europe.
The expert panel decided the Cardiff Bay initiative, which has seen almost two billion pounds of investment since its commencement and over £500 million in the last six years, is proof Cardiff should hold the 2009 Sustainable City title.
The panel considered a number of areas, including social, transport, cultural and environmental advancements.
The Council’s work with partners in these fields has included the creation of water transport from the city centre to the Bay and the soon-to-be created Pont y Werin Bridge that will link Cardiff to Penarth for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Welsh Assembly Government also recently named Cardiff a Sustainable Travel City; the first in Wales. This is resulting in an ambitious programme of developments, including pedestrianisation and a SMART Bike Scheme. A 2009 survey also listed the Welsh Capital as the most transport friendly city in the UK.
The Bay development has always had the interests of local people at its heart and has helped create a number of affordable housing schemes. Community groups and a neighbourhood scheme are also enjoying a huge amount of success in the area.
Among the many other accomplishments considered by the Judging Panel the presence of the Cardiff Wetlands Reserve, created with the Barrage in 2002, and the use of parts of the Bay area for festivals have also proved popular.
In presenting the award the jury said Cardiff demonstrates practises of a sustainable city with highly creative services and innovation and has clearly shown sustainable and economic developments go hand in hand.
Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Margaret Jones said, “During the last 10 years in particular, Cardiff has become a world-class European capital city with an exceptional quality of life. Not only do we boast more green space per person than any other core UK city, we are also performing incredibly well in a number of high-profile surveys on everything from freedom from pollution, to best places to live and work.
“All the developments made here, along with those still in the pipeline, have sustainability at their heart. We are dedicated to keeping Cardiff a hugely successful city that remains very mindful of its environment.
“The Sustainable City Globe Award is a huge honour that reflects exceptionally well on everything being done in Cardiff and in particular the immense success of what’s been achieved in our city’s Bay area. It proves we are helping to lead the way in sustainability, not just in Europe, but right across the globe.
“We now look forward to continuing that success in the years to come”.
Cardiff Council Leader Cllr Rodney Berman said, “Cardiff is a modern capital city that is home to a number of sustainable initiatives, none bigger than the ambitious and successful transformation of the Bay. What has been achieved there is an excellent example of innovative partnership working with sustainability at its core”.
“The effects of this development can be enjoyed by everyone in Cardiff and all its visitors for many, many years to come. The progression continues however and I know future improvements will be just as successful”.
Cardiff Council Press Officer Mike Jackson Tel: 029 2078 8366
Email: mjackson@cardiff.gov.uk
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