The land was owned by Colonel Edward Wood, a teetotaller, who imposed a condition on the developer that the sale of alcohol would not be allowed - hence the district's name.

The large Temperance Hall was eventually converted into the Wood Street Congregational Church.

In the early 20th century Cardiff's prosperity had been reduced by the decline in coal exports.

The Corporation rehoused Temperance Town's residents elsewhere in better housing elsewhere in the city, and the district's demolition started in late 1937.

The bus station opened in 1954; Wood Street was widened and lined with offices and shops.