PwC has confirmed plans for a new headquarters in Cardiff, aiming to expand its workforce significantly.
- The new office at One Central Square is part of a broader scheme centred around Cardiff Central Train Station.
- PwC has leased a significant portion of the building previously occupied by MotoNovo Finance.
- The relocation aligns with PwC’s regional strategy to invest in skills and improve social mobility.
- The move signals continued investment and growth opportunities within Cardiff’s evolving business landscape.
In a strategic move towards enhancing its regional presence, PwC has announced the establishment of a new headquarters in Cardiff, with an ambition to expand its workforce by several hundred employees over the coming years. The company has secured a lease on two floors within the One Central Square building, a prime location encompassing 33,500 square feet previously occupied by MotoNovo Finance.
This relocation is part of a broader vision centred around the Central Square development, which circles Cardiff Central Train Station. The area aims to transform into a pivotal business hub in the city. Although details of the lease remain confidential, the rental arrangement reportedly sets a new benchmark for the city’s commercial property market, raising it to £28 per square foot, compared to the previous standard of £25.
Currently, PwC’s Cardiff operations are based at One Kingsway, where around 500 staff are employed. The firm anticipates substantial growth, although specific numbers remain undisclosed. Following the customised outfitting of this new hybrid workspace, the transition is expected to occur by late next year or early 2026.
PwC’s decision to move is not only driven by an aspiration for business expansion but also reflects its commitment to fostering economic development and social mobility in Cardiff. This aligns with their earlier initiatives supported by the Welsh Government, focusing on creating high-skilled roles, particularly in digital and technology sectors.
John-Paul Barker, regional market leader for PwC in Wales and the west of England, remarked on the significance of this move: “Signing the lease for One Central Square is a significant moment for PwC in Wales. The Central Square development has transformed Cardiff’s city centre, illustrating the city’s ambition to grow and modernise.”
Carl Sizer, head of make at PwC UK, highlighted the importance of tapping into diverse talent pools and addressing skill and productivity gaps across the UK. He stated, “Our continued investment in Cardiff is another vote of confidence in a vibrant, confident, diverse city, and in a group of stakeholders… whose joined-up ambition has created a business environment that we and other major corporates are keen to invest in.”
The Welsh Government’s Rebecca Evans underscored the collaborative effort in facilitating PwC’s expansion, emphasising its potential to improve employment prospects and bolster Cardiff’s technological landscape. Mark Lock of Knight Frank also expressed enthusiasm in welcoming PwC to the building, citing its strategic location and modern amenities as key attractions for new occupants.
PwC’s development in Cardiff epitomises a symbiotic relationship between ambitious corporate growth and regional economic advancement.
