Professional advisory giant PwC is set to establish a major new centre of excellence focused on cyber security in Cardiff in an investment creating hundreds of new jobs.
In what will provide a significant boost to the economy of the city and the wider Cardiff Capital Region, the firm is currently assessing a number of locations in the capital for an up to 100,000 sq ft office requirement.
The chosen site is also expected to house PwC’s existing staff in the capital at the 1 Kingsway office scheme where it employs just under 300.
PwC’s current lease at the city centre building, where it occupies around 20,000 sq ft, expires in 2025. This ties in with the planned opening of its new investment, which will further enhance the status of the Cardiff Capital Region as a leading UK fintech and cyber security cluster with associated well paid professional advisory roles.
Options include a new office build on land that the Welsh Government owns on the south side of the Callaghan Square office scheme close to Cardiff Central Train Station. The land was acquired by the Welsh Government in 2013, ironically as it is believed at the time that former owner MEPC was dragging its feet on development.
Prior to the pandemic Cardiff Council had identified the site for a potential new 225,000 sq ft headquarters before ending its land acquisition negotiations with the Welsh Government.
Other options include the under construction John Street office scheme from JR Smart next to its Cardiff Quarter development, also located in the city centre The A grade office scheme, which is scheduled for completion next year, will provide just over 100,000 sq ft of space.
While it is unlikely that PwC would go for split locations, there is also office space available at the revamped Hodge House and Fusion Point office schemes - both in the centre of the city.
PwC were contacted, but declined to comment on any specific new investment plans for Cardiff.
However, in a recent statement on its current office in the city it said: “ “We have several years to run on our current lease and are committed to Cardiff and growing our headcount in the region.”
