Network Rail is launching a masterplanning process for more than 10 acres of land around Cardiff Central Station.
Working alongside Cardiff Council, Transport for Wales and Cardiff-based developer Rightacres, Network Rail hopes to deliver a new mixed-use neighbourhood on the site and create a new gateway to the Welsh capital.
Network Rail recently appointed Rightacres to deliver a new 695-space car park on the adjacent 1.5m sq ft Central Quay development, which will unlock a former surface car park land and other areas around the station to become part of the masterplan area.
The masterplanning team is led by Hawkins\Brown and following a period of stakeholder and community consultation, it is hoped an outline planning application will be submitted some time next year.
Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said: “Unlocking our strategic land holdings in Cardiff has been a long-time in the making and by working with our partners at Transport for Wales, Welsh government and the City Region we are now in position to regenerate this important brownfield site, with much needed housing, a wide mix of uses and public space. The introduction of Hawkins\Brown and the wider team means we are perfectly placed to deliver a vision for a world-class welcome to Wales’ capital and new neighbourhoods, enabled by integrated transport infrastructure.”
Iain Cochran, partner at Hawkins\Brown, added: “We’re excited to be working once again with Network Rail, to set the development framework for this mixed-use scheme around Cardiff Central Station. Working closely with our multi-disciplinary team and stakeholders, we will deliver a new place at the centre of the city, connecting the surrounding sites to create a capital welcome.”
Paul McCarthy, chief executive officer of Rightacres Property Co, said: “We are looking forward to working with the Network Rail team to regenerate this prime piece of the Cardiff jigsaw. The Southern Gateway to the city is becoming increasingly important as Cardiff Indoor Arena, the Sports Village and Cardiff Bay move forward.”
