Cardiff Central station revamp secures £140m for mixed-use upgrade

The £140 million overhaul of Cardiff Central railway station has been approved, unlocking a package of works that will modernise the site and enhance its role as a mixed-use transport hub.

The redevelopment, led by Transport for Wales (TfW), includes significant upgrades to passenger facilities and improvements to the station’s retail offering. A larger concourse, improved accessibility, and expanded commercial space are central to the plans, aiming to increase capacity while supporting the long-term economic growth of the Welsh capital.

Funding has been secured from the Department for Transport, the Welsh Government, and the Cardiff Capital Region, with full business case approval now confirmed. The project is part of the wider Metro Central initiative, which seeks to integrate Cardiff’s transport infrastructure and enable a more connected and sustainable city centre.

Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at TfW, said 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.”

The scheme will be delivered by the Canolog alliance, a partnership of public sector bodies aiming to transform transport across Cardiff and the wider region. BAM Nuttall has been appointed as the design and build contractor, with construction expected to begin in 2026. The station will remain operational during the works.

Retail and commercial upgrades will sit alongside improved waiting areas, better cycle storage, and enhanced accessibility, including new measures for passengers with reduced mobility. The project also targets congestion relief and improved passenger flow, particularly during major events and periods of high footfall.

Cardiff Central is a key node in the South Wales Metro and serves as the gateway station for the Core Valley Lines. The upgrades are intended to support Cardiff’s role as a regional economic centre and destination for large-scale events such as the UEFA Euro 2028 football tournament.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, described the funding agreement as “a major milestone” and confirmed that the newly reinstated Wales Rail Board would convene in Cardiff for the first time to oversee current and future rail investment plans.

“This joint investment will modernise and enhance the station, benefitting passengers and accommodating our ambitions for long-term growth,” he said.

The redevelopment coincides with the station’s 175th anniversary. An event marking the milestone took place on 4 December, celebrating both the station’s heritage and its future role as part of a more integrated and vibrant urban environment.

TfW is expected to release a new vision document, Today, Tomorrow, Together, later this month, outlining broader rail transformation objectives for Wales.