The unit was previously a shop but will now become a bagel outlet operating seven days a week
15:17, 05 Oct 2026Updated 16:01, 05 Oct 2026
3 Wharton Street in 2023, when it was Coco Blush(Image: Google Street View)
An empty Cardiff city centre shop is set to find new life as a bagel shop after planners give the go-ahead.
According to planning documents the Grade-II listed retail space at 3 Wharton Street has been vacant and marketed since January 2026.
Now the shop is set to become a bagel shop operated by The Bagel Project. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here
Planning documents state: “Since the Covid-19 pandemic this part of St Mary Street has experienced a notable shift in character with a growing emphasis on food and drink uses.
“It has increasingly become a destination for dining and socialising, reflecting broader changes in consumer behaviour and footfall patterns.
“Meanwhile other areas of the city centre, such as the St David’s Shopping Centre and The Hayes, have emerged as the primary focus for retail-led development.”
According to the applicant a new bagel shop will “enhance the vitality, viability, and attractiveness of the city centre” by encouraging footfall and the wider regeneration of the area.
The bagel shop is expected to create five new full-time jobs and operate between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Sunday.
Planning documents state: “While the proposal would result in the loss of a retail unit this must be considered in the context of a broader transformation in how city centres are used.
“In this context the proposed use would complement surrounding businesses and contribute positively to the area’s mix of uses.
“It supports a balanced and adaptive city centre environment, helping to diversify the local economy without undermining the overall retail function of the area, boosting footfall and dwell-time in this area of the city centre.”
The Bagel Project also said that by securing the “long-term viable use” of the space, the development supports the “active use and upkeep” of a heritage shop front and “contributes positively to the vibrancy and distinctiveness” of the surrounding historic area of Wharton Street.
Previously 3 Wharton Street was occupied by Coco Blush Boutique.
