Huge changes to Cardiff Central railway station get go-ahead

The changes will cost £140m

Huge changes to Cardiff central railway station have been given approval. The redevelopment will mean increased capacity, easier movement around the station and better accessibility for those with reduced mobility, as well as improved waiting areas, new shops and cycle storage.

The station will remain open while the construction works are delivered. Transport for Wales is leading on the plans, with the £140m investment coming from the Department for Transport, Cardiff Capital Region and the Welsh Government.

It had already received planning permission and now full business case proposals have been approved by all.

The first works are set to begin next year and be completed by 2028.

Welsh Government transport minister Ken Skates said: “This is a major milestone for our ambitious plans to upgrade Cardiff Central station, a key hub on our South Wales Metro and gateway to Wales’ capital city. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

“The joint £140m investment between Welsh Government, UK Government and Cardiff Capital Region will modernise and enhance the station, benefitting passengers and accommodating our ambitions for long term growth.”

TfW said its plans would improve the feel of the station while “complementing the history and heritage of the building”.

It will expand the gates so people can get through the station easier and improve cycle parking facilities and install a Changing Places facility.

The works will not change capacity, but TfW said separate projects to improve capacity on the routes into and out of Cardiff Central station were being developed by Network Rail and Transport for Wales.

Those would improve line capacity into the station, this then improves reliability and creates opportunities for new services, it said.

TfW said the works would be phased to “minimise disruption as much as we possibly can”.

There is a warning there could be noisy night time works as part of the revamp.

“Wherever possible, we’ll carry out works when the station is closed, including overnight. There may be times where we’ll need to put alternative walking routes in place to accommodate our works, but we’ll make sure directions are provided through signage, and station staff will be on hand to help our customers navigate these diversions,” TfW has said.

Other works at the station include a new car park at the south of the station, due to open soon.