Cardiff Central railway station is set for a major upgrade after funding for a £140 million redevelopment was officially approved. The project aims to modernise Wales’ busiest station while preserving its historic character, ensuring it meets the demands of future passenger growth.
Passengers can expect a larger concourse to ease congestion, improved passenger flow and accessibility, and better facilities for those with reduced mobility. The revamp will also deliver enhanced waiting areas, upgraded retail spaces, and new cycle storage. Importantly, the station will remain open throughout the construction period.
The scheme is being led by Transport for Wales (TfW), with investment coming from the Department for Transport, Cardiff Capital Region, and the Welsh Government. All parties have now signed off the full business case.
The announcement coincides with the first meeting of the newly reinvigorated Wales Rail Board, which convenes in Cardiff today. TfW Chair Vernon Everitt will lead the session, while Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, will open proceedings. The Board will oversee rail spending priorities, monitor progress on current projects, and identify future schemes.
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, 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 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.”
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, added:
“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.”
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 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.”
Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council and Deputy Chair of Cardiff Capital Region, 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.”
Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales & Borders, added:
“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.”
Image and video credit: Transport for Wales
