£140m Cardiff Central station revamp approved as major funding package signed off
£140m Cardiff Central station revamp approved as major funding package signed off
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The long-awaited £140 million redevelopment of Cardiff Central railway station has moved a step closer after the full business case received approval from all funding partners, giving the project the green light to proceed.
The overhaul, led by Transport for Wales (TfW), will modernise Wales’s busiest station to accommodate long-term passenger growth while preserving the building’s heritage.
The project is being funded jointly by the Department for Transport, the Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region.
Plans include a significantly larger concourse to increase capacity, improved passenger flow, better accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and measures to alleviate overcrowding.
Customers will also benefit from enhanced waiting areas, new retail space and expanded cycle storage. The station will remain operational throughout the construction period.
The approval comes as the newly reinvigorated Wales Rail Board meets in Cardiff for the first time. TfW Chair Vernon Everitt will lead the board, with Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates opening the meeting.
The board will focus on prioritising Wales’ rail spending settlement, assessing progress on current projects and identifying future investment priorities.
TfW will also publish Today, Tomorrow, Together, its new vision document for the future of rail in Wales, later this month.
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.
“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.
“The newly revamped Wales Rail Board will also meet for the first time today to discuss future projects such as this and relevant funding.
“I’m extremely pleased that Vernon Everitt will Chair the board as he brings a wealth of experience and expertise, that will help lead us into the future.”
UK Government Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “The UK Government is investing in improving rail services in Wales with new stations, faster trains and more services connecting people with the well-paid jobs we are creating across the country and driving our economic growth.
“Our contribution to the funding of the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Station is a key part of this programme and will see Wales’s biggest station transformed to improve the experience of passengers by alleviating congestion and making the station more accessible.”
TfW Chief Commercial Officer Alexia Course said: “The approval of the full business case gives us the green light to forge ahead with our plans to deliver much needed enhancements to Cardiff Central station.
“The investment of up to £140 million means we can deliver improvements to the station to make it fit for a capital city and sustain future growth, providing a better experience for our station customers.
“Working with our design and build contractor, we can now move forward with the start of construction works next year.
“The newly formed Wales Rail Board will also ensure we prioritise and identify future projects as we continue transforming travel in Wales.”
Cardiff Council Leader and Cardiff Capital Region Deputy Chair Huw Thomas said: “This is a significant milestone for the future prosperity of Cardiff and the region, helping to deliver long-term and sustainable growth for years to come.
Cardiff has a great reputation as a destination venue for concerts and sporting events such as the forthcoming football Euros in 2028, and the improved Cardiff Central Station will increase our capacity for this considerably.”
Network Rail’s Wales & Borders Route Director Nick Millington said: “This is an exciting step forward in transforming Cardiff Central station into a modern, accessible and welcoming gateway to Wales.
“As a proudly owned Network Rail asset, we’re committed to ensuring it continues to serve the city and its passengers for generations to come.
“Working with Transport for Wales and our Canolog alliance partners, we’re delighted to play our part in creating a station that reflects the ambitions of the capital city – improving safety, accessibility and connections for everyone who uses it.”
With funding secured and construction expected to begin next year, the redevelopment marks one of the most significant transport investments in Wales in recent years.
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