Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff

Roald Dahl Plass is a significant public space in Cardiff Bay named in honor of the famous Cardiff-born author Roald Dahl. This coastal venue is located south of the city center and functions as a cultural and legislative hub, housing the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, and the Wales Millennium Centre, a notable performing arts venue.

Originally known as the Oval Basin, the area was redeveloped into a distinctive oval-shaped amphitheater designed by artist William Pye and Nicholas Hare Architects, which officially opened in April 2000. On July 13, 2002, the space was renamed Roald Dahl Plass, marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The design includes illuminated pillars and a gravel surface that covers the historic dock area, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and historical significance.

A prominent feature at the north end of the Plass is the Water Tower, a 70-foot (21-meter) tall structure also designed by Nicholas Hare Architects and sculptor William Pye. The tower features an intermittent stream of water running down its metallic surface, adding a dynamic element to the space.

Roald Dahl Plass is a key location in the sci-fi series "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood." It serves as a TARDIS refueling station in "Doctor Who" due to a spatial-temporal rift in Cardiff. In "Torchwood," the square houses Torchwood Three's headquarters underground, where they monitor alien activities linked to the rift. The Water Tower symbolizes the series' supernatural aspects, and an "invisible lift" hidden beneath a fountain and paving tile provides access to the base, featuring prominently in "Torchwood: Children of Earth" and "Miracle Day."

Today, Roald Dahl Plass remains a vibrant and culturally rich venue, popular for hosting various public events, including open-air concerts, owing to its unique bowl-like structure and central location in Cardiff Bay.