Major update issued on plans for £100m Cardiff tram network

Wales Online

11-06-2025

Major update issued on plans for £100m Cardiff tram network
Cardiff Council said that following a public consultation it has implemented a number of changes to the scheme
Artist impressions showing what the new tram route from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay could look like at Callaghan Square.
(Image: The Urbanists )
The first phase of the ambitious Cardiff Crossrail project, with a new tram link running from Cardiff Central Station to Cardiff Bay, is on track to become operational by the summer of 2028.
Phase one, for which enabling work will commence this summer, will deliver a dedicated Crossrail station on the southside of Cardiff Central Station with the route running through Callaghan Square, before meeting the existing rail line that runs from Queen Street Station and alongside Bute Street down to the Bay.
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Following a public consultation on the £100m project from Cardiff Council, for which it secured levelling up funding from the former Westminster Government of Boris Johnson with £50m match funding from the Welsh Government, a number of changes have been confirmed.
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They council said these include:
The north section of Bute Street, travelling towards Cardiff Bay will remain open to traffic to ensure better road access between Butetown and Cardiff Bay
A commitment to access and inclusion groups to continue to engage through the detailed design process
More planting and green infrastructure on Callaghan Square
Improved bus movements on Custom House Street and a replacement bus layover bay on Park Street.
The council, which is working on the project with Transport for Wales, said tram-trains are scheduled to become operational on the route ahead of football matches being staged at the Principality Stadium for the UEFA 2028 European Championships.
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How the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail from Cardiff Central Station to Cardiff could look. Image by Cardiff-based architectrual firm The Urbanists.
(Image: The Urbanists )
As part of the wider Cardiff Crossrail transport vision, and subject to funding, the aim is for it to be extended to Pierhead Street to support redevelopment plans at Atlantic Wharf alongside the new indoor arena.
It is then planned to move eastwards to link up with proposed new stations on South Wales Mainline at Newport Road and the Cardiff Parkway station at St Mellons, integrated in a new 900,000 sq ft business park.
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Longer-term schemes for Crossrail include it reaching Plasdwr in the north west of the city.
Dan De'Ath, Cardiff council cabinet member for strategic planning, transport and climate change, said: 'Cardiff Crossrail is a bold and ambitious plan to deliver a new tram system for the city - one that will eventually stretch from the northwest to the east, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station.
"With further investment, we aim to create a reliable, affordable cross-city tram service that links some of Cardiff's most underserved communities to the rail network for the first time.
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"This is a long-term investment in Cardiff's public transport infrastructure - designed not just to move people, but to transform how they move. While the cost of this section reflects the scale of the work, some of the funding will go towards improving public spaces and integrating walking and cycling routes.
"This is about building a greener, more sustainable transport system - like those already operating in cities such as Manchester, Nottingham and Edinburgh.'
As part of the delivery process Cardiff Council is seeking an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 to authorise the construction and operation of phase one of Crossrail.
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A decision to approve the making of an application for an order must first be endorsed by Cardiff Council before being submitted to Welsh Ministers via Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
If approved by the council an application for the order is programmed to be submitted in July.
The application process is likely to take around 12 months and if the order is made by Welsh ministers, tram services should be operational by 2028.
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The council's milestones for the projects are:
This summer commence some enabling ground and site investigation works.
Late this year completion of detailed design.
Spring 2026 commence some enabling highway and public realm works;
Late 2026 commence construction of the tram track and the associated platforms at Cardiff Central:
2028 completion of all infrastructure works and the summer of 2028 becoming operational.
Ian Tipper, Transport for Wales' chief infrastructure officer, said: 'We're continuing to work in partnership with Cardiff Council on exciting plans for the delivery of a brand-new tramway between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station. These plans align with the delivery of the Cardiff Bay line transformation, which will allow faster and more frequent services using brand-new tram-trains.
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'Our ambition is that the new tramway will contribute towards a more sustainable transport network for Cardiff, which will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel.
'We're grateful for the contributions we received from our communities in the public consultation which was held back in autumn. This feedback will be vital in helping us shape this project so we can deliver a public tramway that people are proud of.'
UK Government Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'This project marks real progress in delivering better, greener transport for Cardiff. Crossrail will make it easier for people to get around the city and open up new opportunities for jobs, business and growth.
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'We're serious about improving transport in every corner of the UK as part of our Plan for Change which is why we're investing at least £445m into rail projects alone in north and south Wales. With phase one set to complete in 2028, Cardiff is on track for a stronger, better-connected future.'
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: 'Cardiff Cross Rail is an ambitious and innovative project connecting the city centre with the Bay. I am pleased that Cardiff Council are now pressing ahead with the legal orders to make the scheme a reality.'