Splott Road is a visually modest little street that conceals the vital role that it plays in the community of Splott, providing pretty much everything the community needs on the doorstep. It has suffered during the recession and has withstood a few casualties, but nothing like on the scale of the neighbouring Clifton Street, where half of the businesses seem to have disappeared since the new one way system was introduced.
If anything, Splott Road has enjoyed as much regeneration as it has loss, The Star Centre and Library have been refurbished, making the municipal facilities in this area of a particularly high standard. The fact that this leisure centre and library complex is in the middle of the main shopping street in Splott means that it is very much a focal point for the community, as well as being very easy to get to regardless of what means of transport you use. As with many of the urban shopping streets Splott Road has a church amid the retail outlets. The difference here is that the one in Splott is still used, unlike the one on Albany Road in Roath, which has long since been converted into a discount centre.
Splott Road also boasts a dentist and a doctor's surgery, as well as a post office, making it a real hub of the community.
In terms of shopping there's not much in the way of fashion, but this isn't surprising owing to the fact it's so close to the centre of town. What it does have in abundance is some fabulous food outlets including a fantastic deli and a couple of wonderful bakeries. It also has two of the best florists in Cardiff, one of which sells some great locally sourced fruit and veg. For an area that is considered by many to be down-market, Splott Road has got a lot of class! read more