The Hayes

The Hayes is a commercial area in the southern city centre of the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Centred on the road of that name leading south towards the east end of the city centre, the area is mostly pedestrianised and has an open-air snack bar.Historically, the area's most prestigious building is the Old Library, known as the Cardiff Free Library, Museum and Schools for Science and Art during its near-century of use as the second incarnation of the city's central library. The latest, fourth permanent Cardiff Central Library opened in 2009 and is situated at the opposite end of the Hayes.Scenes of BBC's Doctor Who and Torchwood have often been filmed here.ArchitectureCardiff is famous for its Victorian arcades. These include the Royal and Morgan arcades, both of which have entrances on The Hayes.RenovationIn 2006, the shopping portfolio of The Hayes began an upgrade. With the closure of the David Morgan department store plans were made to renovate the building into new luxury apartments with retail units below. As of 2012, The Hayes is home to the most fashionable brands in Cardiff, becoming the luxury shopping street of the city. The Hayes features prestigious stores such as Fred Perry, Urban Outfitters, Moss Bros., White Stuff, House Of Fraser, TK Maxx, Molton Brown, Joules, Waterstones and the very exclusive, world-renowned Dr. Martens.