Plans have been unveiled for a new tramway connecting Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay, marking the first direct rail link between the two.
The initial phase of Cardiff Crossrail, a project by Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW), aims to enhance the railway network between the city centre and Cardiff Bay, benefiting the broader city and region.
A 6-week public consultation is open until 27 October 2024, inviting feedback on the project. The plan includes a new two-platform station in the southern car park of Cardiff Central railway station, facilitating easy interchange. The tramway will extend from this car park, pass through Callaghan Square, and join the existing Cardiff Bay line, continuing to Cardiff Bay.
Additionally, a third platform will be constructed at Cardiff Bay railway station, complementing the second platform currently being built as part of the South Wales Metro transformation.
Cardiff Council and TfW are seeking feedback on the tramway’s design and ideas for improving public spaces along the route to better connect communities, places, and attractions.
Cllr De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport at Cardiff Council, stated: “The Cardiff Crossrail project has been a long-held ambition for a long time and when fully complete will connect some of the most deprived communities in Cardiff to the railway network for the first time.
“Subject to funding, the Cardiff Crossrail will eventually run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway railway station.
“To start this process, the first phase of the scheme must be built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. This will finally ensure that Butetown is properly connected to the city centre, through the new tramway, providing further capacity for residents and visitors to access the wide range of attractions that Cardiff has to offer. We want the public to engage in the consultation process, so they can give their feedback on the very first phase of this exciting project.”
Dan Tipper, TfW’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, added: “Today, in partnership with Cardiff Council, we’ve shared exciting plans for the delivery of a brand-new tramway between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station. These plans align with work already underway to build a new track on the Cardiff Bay line, which will allow faster and more frequent services using brand-new tram-trains.
“Our ambition is that the new tramway will contribute towards a more sustainable transport network for Cardiff, encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel.
“We want to hear as many thoughts, opinions and questions on the proposals as possible, which will help to inform key decisions on the scheme. Contributions from our communities will help to shape this project so we can deliver a public tramway that people are proud of.”
Image credit: The Urbanists
