Four planned train stations slated to open across Cardiff in the coming years are encountering delays, with one project potentially facing cancellation.
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The proposed stations at Crwys Road, Butetown, Gabalfa, Ely Mill, and Cardiff East were expected to improve connectivity in underserved areas of the city and facilitate easier travel for commuters. However, delays in construction and funding uncertainties have thrown their timelines into disarray.
Crwys Road and Butetown stations, initially set to open this year, have experienced setbacks. Work has only commenced at the Butetown site, while construction has yet to begin at Crwys Road.
Cardiff East Station, aimed to serve as a crucial rail link near Newport Road, has been delayed indefinitely due to funding challenges. Plans to secure funding from the UK Government are underway, but no confirmed timeline for delivery has been provided.
Gabalfa Station, intended to enhance transport accessibility between Cathays and Llandaff, is also facing delays. While conceptual options have been explored, development work is contingent upon the availability of funding.
Meanwhile, the Ely Mill station project has been dealt a significant blow, with its cancellation looming large. Despite an increase in demand for public transport owing to recent housing developments in the area, the project has been stalled due to funding constraints. A bid submitted to the UK Government’s New Stations Fund was rejected, leaving the station without financial backing for completion by the proposed deadline.
These delays and uncertainties underscore the challenges in delivering vital infrastructure projects and highlight the complexities involved in aligning funding priorities with community needs. As Cardiff grapples with growing demands for efficient transport solutions, stakeholders continue to navigate the intricate landscape of project planning and execution.
The Cardiffian Reported:
Crwys Road
Due: 2024
Expected arrival: 2025
Crwys Road station is being built on the Rhymney Line as part of the Core Valley Lines transformation funded by Welsh Government, delivered by Transport for Wales. It is planned to open in 2025.
The Rhymney Line runs from Cardiff Central through to Rhymney and Caerphilly. The Coryton line is also a branch. Currently, there is no station on the line between Heath High Level and Cardiff Queen Street, which are two miles apart.
“The final design solution is currently being developed. Construction of the station is set to begin once the designs are complete,” said a spokesperson for Transport for Wales.
This station will help to commuters living in the Cathays area heading out of Cardiff up to Caerphilly and vice versa.
“I am really pleased that we are getting a new and up to date transport system for Cardiff,” said Councillor Norma Mackie.
“I think the new railway and metro network will be a real asset in getting people out of cars, which is so much better for our environment, and it will also make it easier and quicker for people to get into Cardiff and move around the city.”
However, not all locals are happy with the plans.
“The proposal lacks any sense of placemaking. The proposals presented are the cheapest available, using a residential street as its access without any regard for how this would impact the residents’ lives,” said Andrew Bermingham, who lives on Alexander Street.
“My family and I really do not wish to live within a station.”
Butetown
Due: 2024
Expected arrival: 2025
Butetown Station is to be constructed by 2025 as part of the transformation works to the Cardiff Bay Line. The station will sit between Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.
“A new fully accessible two platform station at Butetown is currently under construction, expected to be completed in 2025,” said a spokesperson for Transport for Wales.
Initial groundworks have just begun at the site on Lloyd George Avenue.
Improvements to the Bay Line will be vital for quick transport between the centre and Cardiff Bay for events at the new Cardiff Bay arena.
Cardiff East Station
Due: 2028
Expected arrival: Delayed
Cardiff East Station will host existing services and new Cardiff-to-Cheltenham and Cardiff-to-Bristol services.
“The next stage is to secure funding from UK Government to further develop the design and full business case for the programme,” said a spokesperson for Transport for Wales.
“We don’t have a confirmed timescale for delivery.”
The area is not served by rail currently and suffers from heavy traffic.
A public consultation has recently been held for these plans, but no date has been set by TfW for its opening.
Gabalfa
Due: 2028
Expected arrival: 2028
Gabalfa Station will be added to the Valleys line which serves Merthyr, Treherbert and Aberdare, which runs north from Cardiff Central.
“There has been some early development work undertaken to develop conceptual options and development will continue when funding is made available,” said a spokesperson for Transport for Wales.
Gabalfa will sit between Cathays and Llandaff which are three miles apart, providing easier transport for commuters living in the area.
“As a councillor for Gabalfa we are very keen for a station to be delivered as soon as possible to serve our residents, after campaigning for many years for it,” said Councillor Ashley Wood.
“We understand TfW are still aiming for 2028 but a lack of clarity over the funding commitments needed and apparent delays to other new stations on the metro raises concerns this station will not be delivered on time either.”
Ely Mill
Due: 2024
Expected arrival: Cancelled
The Ely Mill station would be on the City Line that runs from Radyr to Cardiff Central, between Waun-Gron Park and Ninian Park.
Eight hundred new homes have recently been built in the area, meaning demand for good public transport links are even higher.
“Plans for a station at Ely Mill are still in an early development stage. We are working with the UKG (UK Government) via the Wales Rail Board to identify the priorities for rail investment in Wales,” said a Welsh Government spokesperson.
The Welsh Government submitted a bid to the UK Government’s ‘New Stations Fund’ for the construction of Ely Mill, but this bid was rejected as the business case did not meet the requirements to have the station completed by 31 March 2024.
Currently, Ely Mill will not be built because there is no funding for the project.