£140m revamp of Cardiff Central station approved

Published: 04 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Plans for a major revamp of Cardiff Central, Wales’ busiest railway station, have received final approval, with work set to begin in mid-2026. The £140m project includes a new brick arch rear entrance, a larger concourse, improved waiting areas, better accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and additional retail and cycle facilities. Most of the upgrades are expected to be completed within three years while the station remains operational.

The station, which serves around 35,000 passengers daily, experiences spikes in footfall during concerts and rugby internationals. The scheme is led by Transport for Wales and funded through £78m from the UK Department for Transport (DfT), £40m from the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, and £21m from the Welsh government. The DfT funding forms part of a wider £445m rail improvement package across Wales announced in June’s spending review by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the upgrades would “transform the experience of the millions of passengers who use the station every year” and improve connectivity with the rest of Wales and beyond. Meanwhile, Welsh government Transport Secretary Ken Skates described the approval as a “major milestone” for Cardiff Central, calling it a key hub on the South Wales Metro network, which aims to double the number of services and introduce new stations. Skates emphasized that the investment would modernize and enhance the station while supporting long-term passenger growth.

Cardiff Central has a long history, originally opening in 1850 as Cardiff station, being renamed Cardiff General in 1924, and receiving its current name in 1973. Over the years, the station has become a critical transportation hub for the region, connecting commuters, students, and visitors across South Wales and beyond.

Public reaction to the revamp has been mixed. Some commuters, like Jackie Watkins, called for updated ticket barriers due to long queues, particularly on matchdays. Nathan, a frequent traveller to Bristol, criticized platform congestion that contributes to delays. Meanwhile, others, like Kathryn, praised the station’s existing central renovations and expressed optimism that the new upgrades would improve practicality and convenience. She also emphasized the importance of encouraging train travel over car usage, including by reducing fares.

The project is expected to enhance the passenger experience significantly, reduce overcrowding, and provide modern facilities to accommodate the growing number of travelers. With improved retail, cycle, and accessibility features, Cardiff Central aims to meet the demands of daily commuters while preparing for major events that increase station footfall.

The revamp also aligns with wider efforts to improve rail infrastructure across Wales, boosting connectivity, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth. Transport for Wales and the Welsh government plan to coordinate closely with the newly established Wales Rail Board to ensure the project is delivered efficiently and that future rail initiatives are effectively funded.

With construction scheduled to begin in mid-2026, commuters and visitors can expect phased improvements over the following three years, with the station remaining operational throughout the project. The investment highlights a long-term commitment to modernizing Wales’ transport infrastructure, enhancing passenger experience, and supporting sustainable travel.