Cardiff is projected to grow more than any other UK city over the next 20 years. A number of major developments are currently underway in all corners of the capital, with cranes and the frames for new high-rise buildings towering above the city.
Cardiff Council’s vision, outlined in its Local Development Plan (LDP), is to make the city 30% bigger than it was before with over 41,000 new homes and several notable projects to be developed over the next two decades.
But what will this growth bring to the city? We’ve taken a look at some of Cardiff’s other major projects which, along with Plasdŵr, will add to the city’s economic expansion over the next 20 years.
Cardiff Cross Rail and South Wales Metro
The Cardiff Cross Rail project will improve train services between Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Central, Newport and Bristol by upgrading the four track South Wales Main Line. It will also upgrade the core Valley lines to Aberdare, Coryton, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhymney and Treherbert.
Work has already begun on the South Wales Metro; an integrated network of bus, rail, walking and cycling. The multi-million-pound project will improve connectivity and make sustainable travel easier across south Wales.
Both projects will also tackle congestion on the M4 and allow room for more trains, creating greater flexibility and capacity which aims to encourage more people to use public transport.
The new South East Wales Metro system protects a possible new light rail/tram line route which, if it goes ahead, would create lasting links between Plasdŵr and other areas of Cardiff. It also helps fulfil Plasdŵr’s vision for a community where sustainable transport and active travel are prioritised over single use car journeys.
Cardiff’s bus station and Central Square
Cardiff’s long awaited city centre bus station in Central Square, which has also become a hub for offices, apartments, and retail units, is expected to be complete later this year.
The completion of this project is set to have a positive impact on Cardiff residents and businesses, with many large companies already investing into the new offices including BBC, UK Government, Legal and General and Cardiff University. The economic boost will not only create jobs, but is likely to result in additional investment into local infrastructure, as well as attracting professionals from other areas of the country. For those looking to work in central Cardiff, Plasdŵr will offer attractive place to live just five miles from the city centre.
Cardiff Indoor Arena
The new 17,000-capacity indoor arena in Cardiff Bay will aim to create a premier, UK- visitor destination, which is projected to attract over a million visitors and £100m every year into the Welsh economy. It will also recognise the musical heritage of Wales and, according to Cardiff Council, will be the ‘missing piece of city infrastructure’ that is needed to cement Cardiff’s international reputation as a major events city.
Some of the other economic benefits include creating up to 2,000 jobs during the construction phase with a further 1,000 jobs when the venue is up and running. It is estimated to be complete by the end of 2024.
This development will attract even more people to Cardiff, helping to establish the capital as a cultural city and making developments like Plasdŵr that much more crucial.
Central Quay
In central Cardiff, plans have been revealed for a brand-new waterfront scheme where people can work, live, and play. The development will include luxury apartments, a university campus, hotels, offices, and a river front leisure location featuring attractive bars and restaurants.
Besides tackling the housing crisis, this project has many positive implications for Cardiff’s economy, one of which will be the creation of new jobs and opportunities from its early stages of development. Central Quay will bring with it a vibrance bound to attract young people to the area. Over time, this young demographic may want to relocate to quieter suburbs of the city, and Plasdŵr will offer an alternative to inner city living.
Cardiff’s super cycleways
Cardiff Council is currently developing three new super cycleways across the city. The cycleways will provide a network of continuous cycle routes and form a key part of the Council’s 15-year plan to provide more accessible and much improved cycling and walking routes throughout the city.
This is particularly exciting news for Plasdŵr, with one cycleway connecting the ‘garden city’ to the city centre and other popular areas such as the Bay and the Newport Road retail parks. The increased infrastructure will provide more ways for residents to travel around the city, all the while continuing to promote green and active travel.
Over the next 20+ years, Cardiff will increasingly become a thriving metropolitan city full of opportunities for potential homeowners, businesses, and its residents. Plasdŵr will be key to supporting this growth, providing the homes and amenities needed to support the city’s growth.
Sources:
The Economic Impact of House Building (lichfields.uk)
Huge housing plan to build thousands of new homes in Cardiff – Wales Online
Everything we know about the planned £150m Cardiff Bay arena as new pictures released – Wales Online
*Information is accurate at time of writing.