Cardiff Central redevelopment approved as major station overhaul begins 2026

The UK Government is backing the redevelopment of Cardiff Central with £77 million in funding for a major station overhaul. The decision clears the way for construction to begin in spring 2026, delivering a larger concourse, a landmark southern entrance and an extended Platform 0 to increase capacity at a station used by 35,000 passengers a day.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander 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 of 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.”

The funding brings the UK Government’s total contribution to £77.8 million, complementing £40 million from the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and £21 million from the Welsh Government. Approval of the project’s final business case means most of the upgrade will be completed by 2029.

The overhaul forms part of a wider £445 million Department for Transport programme to improve rail infrastructure across Wales. The package includes increased rail services to Cardiff, new stations in South Wales, and enhanced services on the North Wales Main Line and the Wrexham–Liverpool route.

Passenger benefits

Passengers will benefit from enhanced ticket gates, improved waiting areas, expanded retail and new cycle storage. The redesign aims to reduce congestion, ease interchange with other transport modes and improve accessibility for travellers with reduced mobility, particularly during major events such as the Six Nations, when station footfall surges.

Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates welcomed the agreement, saying: “This is a major milestone for our ambitious plans to upgrade Cardiff Central station. The joint £140 million 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. This demonstrates how 2 governments working in partnership can address historic underfunding of Welsh rail and I look forward to more major transport developments progressing across Wales.”

In addition to the station rebuild, the UK Government is committing a further £50 million to a new Cardiff Metro station with a direct connection to Cardiff Bay, laying the groundwork for future Metro expansion to the north-west and east of the city.

The upgraded Cardiff Central will strengthen Wales’ connectivity with the wider UK rail network, improving access to jobs, skills and economic opportunities and supporting long-term regional growth.