This milestone marks a major step forward for Cardiff Crossrail, which aims to deliver a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north west of the city with the proposed new Parkway rail station in the east.

Backed by £100 million in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the first phase of the project will begin with a new tram link between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. When completed this tram link will help transport visitors to and from Cardiff’s planned 15,000 -seater indoor arena, as well as take workers, local residents and visitors between the Bay and city centre.

Cllr Dan De’Ath, 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.

“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.”

Following last autumn’s public and stakeholder consultation, the Council has carefully considered the feedback received and made a number of changes to the scheme design. The key updates are:

·       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.

Dan 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.  

“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.”  

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.

“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 £445 million 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.”

The 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.”

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 the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail - linking Cardiff Central with Cardiff Bay.

The proposed Order seeks to grant Cardiff Council the legal powers needed for the necessary infrastructure. A decision to approve the making of an application for an order must first be endorsed by Cardiff Councilbefore being submitted to Welsh Ministers via Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

A presentation will be given to the Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting on June 12^th, before being presented to Cabinet on Thursday, June 19. Cabinet will then make a recommendation to Full Council at its meeting on Thursday, June 26. If approved by Council an application for the order is programmed to be submitted in July 2025. Once applied for, the application documents will be made available for inspection under detailed Regulations governing the promotion of orders under the Transport and Works Act 1992 details of a 42-day objection period will be published during which representations may be made in respect of the application.            

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. Some particular milestones for the project are set out below:

·       Summer 2025: commence some enabling ground and site investigation works

·       Late 2025: 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

·       Summer 2028: system operational

The project to bring Crossrail to Cardiff Bay is being planned to be delivered in two phases:

Phase 1a: Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay Station
Fully funded, this phase is the subject of the proposed application for an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992. It includes a major redevelopment of the highway network around Callaghan Square to connect the tram/train to the existing Cardiff Bay rail line. It also includes a new tram/train platform at Cardiff Central.
The scheme will enhance walking and cycling connectivity with a new segregated cycleway linking Cardiff Central to Callaghan Square, and changes to traffic access along Bute Terrace and Lower St Mary Street.

Phase 1b: Cardiff Bay Station to Pierhead Street
Not yet funded, this phase which would be the subject of a future application for powers to construct, proposes a tramline extension through the Flourish and Pierhead Street area, alongside new pedestrian crossings and a segregated cycleway connecting Roald Dahl Plass to the new indoor arena.