There is a lot of talk right now about how Wales needs a vision. It might a political vision on the back of debates in Scotland, Wales and Westminster about devolved power. Or it might be a vision for the Welsh economy. We know what direction to take – it’s forward. That’s why we are promoting a series of events that discuss the issues facing Welsh construction and why we are seeking to review the findings of No Turning Back. 

But why not just share some ideas in the meantime. Perhaps we could all learn from the designer Nicholas Socrates who last week shared his idea of what could fill in the empty space next to the Senedd with his vision for a tower that would dominate the skyline. It might be a bit far fetched. After all his idea for a mixed use building, with retail on the ground floor, commercial space on the lower half, and homes in the top half offering views over Cardiff Bay and Roath Basin is very different from what has already been planned for the site. At one point was earmarked as a possible location for the new BBC Cymru Wales headquarters.

Mr Socrates, 30, who lives in Grangetown in Cardiff, said: “It’s a speculative design. I just saw an empty plot of land. I’m not in contact with the land owner. I do a lot of speculative stuff, I see a potential area for development or regeneration, and instead of talking about it or thinking about it I prefer to do a quick model.” 

It might be time to take heed the wisdom of Mr Socrates. If you believe in Wales then let’s share some ideas – the bigger the better.