Exciting news for Cardiff cyclists and park users. Work is set to begin this autumn on a significant upgrade to the Taff Trail section running through Hailey Park. This improvement is a key part of Cardiff Council’s ongoing commitment to enhance cycling routes across the city.
Following two rounds of public consultation and careful review, a revised scheme has been approved. The most notable change from the initial proposal is the path’s width: it will now be 3.5 meters wide, a reduction from the original 5-metre plan, directly addressing community feedback. The new route will largely follow the existing path’s alignment.
The upgraded path will be constructed with a buff-coloured tarmac designed to seamlessly blend into the park’s natural setting. A major consideration in the revised plan was to minimise the impact on green space and ensure the route is no longer close to the children’s play area, a concern frequently raised during consultations.
Environmental Protection and Construction Details
Cardiff Council has also outlined specific measures to mitigate environmental concerns highlighted by the public:
- Waxcap fungi habitat at the southern end of the park will be safeguarded through dedicated mitigation efforts.
- To protect trees, a ‘no dig’ construction method will be employed in areas where the path briefly enters tree root protection zones.
- Improved drainage systems will be implemented to effectively manage surface water.
Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, emphasised the council’s responsiveness: “We have consulted on this scheme twice and have listened to the views expressed. The chosen scheme is in line with the design requirements of the Active Travel Act, while ensuring that the environmental concerns raised in the public consultations are significantly reduced or mitigated.”
He further added, “Constructing the scheme will involve a ‘no dig’ approach to protect tree roots, while an Ecological Clerk of Works will be in attendance to ensure Waxcap fungi are protected.”
Project Timeline
The main works are scheduled to commence in early autumn, with the entire scheme anticipated to be completed by March 2026.
For a comprehensive understanding of the improvements to the cycleway in Hailey Park, you can access the full report at www.cardiff.gov.uk/hailey-park.
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