A new skyscraper is set to change the look of the skyline in one major UK city after plans were approved. Wales’ tallest building will span an impressive 50 stories and will dominate the skyline of the nation’s capital, Cardiff. According to approved plans, it will have a maximum height of 584ft (178m), surpassing the 29-storey Tower at Meridian Quay in Swansea. Additionally, it would be the second-tallest building in the UK outside of London after the 656ft (200m) tall Deansgate Square South Tower in Manchester.

There will be 528 apartments in the development, and it will be built in Central Square, next to Cardiff Central Station, the Principality Stadium and the BBC Cymru Wales headquarters. Councillors discussed concerns from Cadw, a Welsh Government group charged with protecting historic buildings and structures, during a meeting with Cardiff Council last week. Some concerns were shared over the high-rise building’s impact on the heritage asset.

However, many councillors disagreed. Cllr Sean Driscoll called the development an “exclamation mark on the city”.

Meanwhile, Cllr Michael Michael said: “I see nothing but good in this application”. Simon Gilbert, who is a planning officer for the council, called the new skyscraper “akin to the Flat Iron building in New York”.

Applicant REAP 3 Limited, a subsidiary of Bluecastle Capital, said in its application that the project included “tonal references” to fit in with the look of the rest of the city.

“White Portland stone features on several of Cardiff’s significant civic buildings, and many of the taller city centre buildings feature light tonal façade elements,” it says.

“Our façade and material proposals must sit comfortably within the city context and also provide a well-mannered façade when viewed from a distance.”

5plus Architects, the firm in charge of the high-rise, said particular focus has been given to maintaining the long-term appearance of the building, especially Wales’ frequent rainfall in mind.

Additionally, parts of the façade will feature “subtle references to Welsh Celtic symbols”, drawing inspiration from Wales’ “rich visual heritage and identity”.

Renderings of the building show its location overlooking the iconic neighbouring stadium, as well as its modern design. Tall windows appear to span four stories at the bottom of the building, for example.