More than one type of star in the bay

Mon, Mar 27th 2006, 11:00

Move over London and LA, Cardiff’s growing reputation as a young exhilarating capital city has put it on the celebrity map and the aptly named Celestia apartments in the Bay is the place to live among the stars.

If you have not spotted Billie Piper, David Tennant and the Daleks chasing around the Wales Millennium Centre, then you may have come across the unofficial queen and prince of Wales, Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson, dining at Ba Orient - Cardiff Bay’s über-cool Dim Sum restaurant and champagne cocktail bar.

Such sightings are testament to just how much Cardiff Bay has been transformed from the world's largest coal exporting port into a vibrant and sexy mix of bars, nouveaux cuisine, café lattés, shopping and imported celebrity revellers.

It helps that the stunning five-star Rocco Forte St David’s Hotel & Spa overlooks the Bay. The luxurious hotel and spa is a favourite among celebrities, attracting the likes of Robbie Williams, the Chelsea football team and the world premier of the new Doctor Who series.

Indeed, because of the Hotel’s association with Krug you can enjoy the bubbles in a glass of Grande Cuvée Champagne within the Tides Bar – an irresistible attraction for any self respecting celebrity.

Mixed in with the Bay’s new found energy, drama, champagne and the odd celebrity is Redrow’s understated, individual and hugely successful Celestia apartment scheme.

Bev Wookey, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (South Wales), says: “Thanks to the likes of Charlotte Church and Dr Who’s David Tennant, Cardiff has been getting some indirect advertising in celebrity magazines such as Heat and Closer. The circling paparazzi is just another sign that the city has a mounting reputation as a trendy, sharp and cool place to visit, work and live.

“I’m sure that the city’s soaring profile in celebrity circles has had a hand in the success of our Celestia venture. The fact that celebrities are not afraid to be seen out and about in the Bay is immense kudos for what has been created here and Celestia is very much part of this vibrant environment.”

Celestia’s stylish collection of 457 luxury waterfront apartments is right in the thick of the action adjacent to the Wales Millennium Centre with its packed diary of musicals, theatre, opera, ballet and dance, across the bay from St David’s Hotel & Spa and close to Mermaid Quay.

Made up of seven apartment buildings, each named after a star, there are just under 120 one and two-bedroom apartments left available. Prices start from £126,000 and all come parking and a premium specification befitting of its star status.

As well as the Bay’s fabulous distractions, residents can be in the city centre and celebrity spotting in under 10 minutes. There are loads of bars, restaurants and clubs to attract A-listers, including the 1920s-themed restaurant Charlestons, the Sodabar in St Mary Street - where Raffle Little, Huey from the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Michael Greco have been seen hanging out - and the Cameo Club, which has played host to Hollywood’s ‘American Beauty’, Mena Suvari.

If celebrity watching is not your thing then Cardiff also offers all the culture, entertainment and shopping you could ask for in one of the freshest and most celebrated European Capitals.

To live among the stars check-out the fully furnished example of a Celestia apartment found at the marketing suite, in Wyndham Arcade, St Mary’s Street, Cardiff, open seven-days-a-week.

For more information and opening times, call Celestia on 02920 666 678 or visit www.celestia.redrow.co.uk