Plans for a new Park & Ride Mainline Railway Station at St Mellons moved a step closer today, with Economy Minister Ken Skates announcing Welsh Government are working alongside Investec and local businessmen Nigel and Andrew Roberts to help facilitate the development of Cardiff Parkway Station and a new business district.

The station, which would be part of the wider South Wales Metro, will offer a turn-up-and-go service around 8 minutes away from Cardiff or Newport, with the proximity of the park and ride facility to the M4 motorway also resulting in a reduction the number of car journeys into our city centres. As part of the new partnership, the Welsh government will become a shareholder and investor in South Wales Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture with Investec and the Roberts, with Welsh Government and Investec providing equal funding for the next phase of the development.

The objective is to submit a planning application around summer time this year, with construction work then expected to begin in 2020. The ambition is for the station to be served by trains to Swansea, the Cardiff Capital Region, London, Bristol and Birmingham.

Economy and Transport Minister, Ken Skates said:

“This is an exciting project which we at Welsh Government are very pleased to be a part of. It’s an excellent example of Government and the private sector coming together to look at how best we can deliver better rail infrastructure whilst also creating high quality jobs. As well as the obvious day to day benefits for commuters, this will also help to manage congestion and reduce air and noise pollution in central Cardiff whilst dramatically improving access by public transport for those in St Mellons area. It will also serve as an important facility for the increasing number of major events being attracted to our capital city and the surrounding area. It really is a development of huge potential.”

Nigel Roberts, Chairman of South Wales Infrastructure Limited said:

“We are delighted to be working closely with Welsh Government on this transformational project alongside Investec who have shown such confidence in this major investment into Wales that will have such a positive impact for the capital region. Public Transport only works when you make it the transport of choice and we will make this a great customer experience. We acknowledge the enthusiasm for the project from Network Rail and all of the wider stakeholders.”

David van der Walt, CEO, Investec added:

“We are convinced that the development will become a key hub in the regional economy and an important piece of the civic fabric. This endorsement of the strategic significance of the scheme by our new partner is a great boost for the project team to raise the tempo and help the company realise its vision and deliver its benefits without delay. Investec welcomes Welsh government to the joint venture.”