WALES’ busiest train station is set to undergo a major renovation, starting next year.
Cardiff Central train station, which sees around 12million passengers a year, is set to undergo a £140million project that aims to increase the overall capacity of the station.
The project has been given the green light, with work set to get underway in spring 2026.
Then the majority of the work will be completed by 2029.
Once completed, the station will have a larger concourse, new entrance and improved links between the rest of Wales and the wider UK.
Plans also include enhanced ticket gates, better access around the station, improved waiting areas and shops and more cycle storage areas.
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It is hoped that the improvements will limit overcrowding at the station.
Previously, Weston Williamson + Partners (WWP) design director and project lead Phil Turner confirmed that they would be “acknowledging the historical fabric of the city whilst bringing it into the present day, and future-proofing the station for generations to come”.
The UK government is contributing £77.8million to the project and then £40million is being contributed by Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and £21million from the Welsh Government.
Overall, the project is part of a wider £445million investment from the Department for Transport that will improve rail infrastructure across the whole of Wales.
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “The improvements to Cardiff Central will transform the experience of the millions of passengers who use the station every year, welcoming people through a spacious, modern station befitting the city it serves.
“Not only will this improve experiences for passengers, but it will also improve capacity in the station and unlock connectivity with the rest of Wales and beyond – supporting jobs and helping to kickstart economic growth.”
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “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 Transport for Wales, said: “Working with our design and build contractor, we can now move forward with the start of construction works next year.”
Cardiff Central originally opened in 1850 and was nearly completely rebuilt in the 1930s.
British Rail then renamed the station Cardiff Central in 1973.
The station features an Art Deco symmetrical grand entrance, which was built between 1931 and 1934.
And the station currently features a main concourse with ticket offices and machines, an information desk and some shops such as Marks & Spencer and WHSmith.
The station also has a first class lounge, which is the only one in Wales.
In other rail news, Eurostar has revealed plans for direct trains from UK to new European country for first time ever.
Plus, the UK’s busiest train station is getting a multi-million pound upgrade with new ‘floating’ buildings.