Construction of a new tram-train route from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay via Callaghan Square is set to commence as GRAHAM has been identified as the principal contractor.
The new route marks a major milestone in the wider vision for Cardiff Crossrail, which, once complete, will provide a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north west of the city with the proposed new Parkway railway station in the east.
The first phase will see construction of a tram-train route from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay
© Canva
Delegated authority is expected to be given to GRAHAM to proceed as principal contractor during a Cabinet meeting on 19 March, with full approval subject to agreement on the final cost of delivery for the scheme’s first phase.
The first phase of the project, which will predominantly consist of the establishment of a new tram link between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay, has been backed by 100 million GBP in joint funding from both the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. It is expected to help transport visitors to and from Cardiff’s new 16,500-seat indoor arena, which is currently under construction.
Construction will include new tram platforms at Cardiff Central Station and an additional platform at Cardiff Bay Station; a new twin-track tramway through Callaghan Square; a simplified road layout; new pedestrian spaces, landscaping and sustainable drainage; and fully segregated cycle routes and improved pedestrian crossings.
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 north west 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 and will play a key role in supporting major developments across the city, including the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Railway Station, the regeneration of Callaghan Square, and the new Arena and Atlantic Wharf development in Cardiff Bay.
The vision for Cardiff Crossrail is clearly set out in the city’s 10-year transport vision. This is about building a greener, more sustainable and affordable transport system.
In order to carry out construction through Callaghan Square; the Council, Transport for Wales and the contractor have developed a phased construction plan designed to minimise disruption, which will also take into account other major projects taking place within Cardiff at the same time.
Once the recommendation is approved, final contracts will be completed in the spring, with construction expected to begin in summer 2026 for completion in summer 2028.