£140m Cardiff Central station transformation gets go-ahead

Final approval has been granted for a major overhaul of Wales’ busiest railway station, with £140 million set to transform Cardiff Central.

The comprehensive upgrades will include a new brick arch rear entrance, a significantly larger concourse, and improved waiting areas designed to accommodate future passenger growth and ease overcrowding at the station, which currently serves around 35,000 passengers daily – a figure that swells during concerts and rugby internationals.

The transformation will deliver better accessibility for people with reduced mobility, alongside additional retail outlets and enhanced cycle facilities. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, with the bulk of construction expected to be completed within three years. The station will remain operational throughout the works.

The £140m funding package comprises £78m from the UK Department for Transport, £40m from the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, and £21m from the Welsh government. The DfT contribution forms part of a wider £445m investment in rail improvements across Wales announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending review in June.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the changes would “transform the experience of the millions of passengers who use the station every year”, while also improving connectivity with “the rest of Wales and beyond”.

Welsh government Transport Secretary Ken Skates welcomed what he described as a “major milestone” for upgrading the station, calling it a “key hub” on the South Wales Metro network, which promises to deliver twice the number of services and new stations.

He said the investment would “modernise and enhance the station, benefitting passengers and accommodating our ambitions for long term growth”.

Skates added that the newly revamped Wales Rail Board would also meet for the first time on Thursday to “discuss future projects such as this and relevant funding”.

Cardiff Central station first opened in 1850 as Cardiff station, was renamed Cardiff General in 1924, and received its current name in 1973.