1998 - 2001

The decision to locate the Senedd on its site in Cardiff Bay was taken by Ron Davies as Secretary of State for Wales in April 1998. Following extensive consultation, it was decided that there should be a new building to house a purpose-built debating chamber on the site adjoining what was then called Crickhowell House, and in front of the bay. The land was acquired on a 150 year lease for a nominal £1.

An international Design Competition was held under the auspices of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The competition set out a functional specification for the building, and a price limit of £12 million including fees. The Design Panel was chaired by Lord Callaghan. After considering plans from a short list of six architects, the Panel recommended a concept design from the Richard Rogers Partnership to the Secretary of State.

From the outset the emphasis was on the "transparency" of the design with its emphasis on access and visibility. It would allow the public to "look-in" on the politicians’ work, and for Assembly Members to "look-out" towards the wider world – a symbol of a new form of democracy.