The ambitious, long-awaited revamp of Cardiff Central railway station has been given the official green light as full business case proposals for its £140 million transformation secure final funding approval.
This major milestone paves the way for a crucial modernisation project, led by Transport for Wales (TfW), designed to support long-term passenger growth while carefully complementing the station’s rich history and heritage.
The joint investment of up to £140 million is being provided by the Department for Transport (UK Government), Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), and the Welsh Government, ensuring a collaborative approach to enhancing Wales’s busiest transport hub.
The redevelopment is set to deliver significant and much-needed improvements for everyone using the station.
Passengers will benefit from a much larger concourse to increase capacity, drastically improving passenger flow and access and working to alleviate overcrowding. Crucially, the scheme will provide better accessibility for those with reduced mobility, making the station welcoming for all.
Other customer benefits include improved waiting areas, enhanced retail offerings, and essential cycle storage facilities.
Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at TfW, commented: “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 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.”
Significantly, the station will remain open while the construction works are delivered, with TfW confirming that they can now move forward with the start of construction works next year.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “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.”
This investment is seen as a key catalyst for regional prosperity and growth, reinforcing Cardiff’s status as a major UK city.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, called it: “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… will modernise and enhance the station, benefitting passengers and accommodating our ambitions for long-term growth.”
The improvements are timed perfectly to increase capacity for major international events, as noted by Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council and Deputy Chair, Cardiff Capital Region: “This is a significant milestone for the future prosperity of Cardiff and the region… 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.”
Coinciding with this landmark announcement, the newly reinvigorated Wales Rail Board will meet in Cardiff for the very first time today.
The Board will oversee the prioritisation of the rail spending review settlement, assess progress on current rail projects, and identify projects for future delivery across Wales.
Vernon Everitt (current TfW Chair) is taking the Chair, with Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, opening the meeting.
Mr Skates expressed his pleasure, noting that Mr Everitt “brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will help lead us into the future.”
Following the meeting, TfW will publish ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’ – a vision document for the future of rail in Wales later this month, ensuring a clear strategic path for continued transformation.
Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales & Borders, concluded: “This is an exciting step forward in transforming Cardiff Central station into a modern, accessible and welcoming gateway to Wales. 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.”