Here is your Friday update, covering:
- Cardiff to host 2025 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals
- Ely and Caerau Integrated Children's Centre Shines in Estyn Inspection
- Travel advice for tomorrow's Wales vs Scotland match
EPCR announces two world-class venues for 2025 and 2026 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals Weekend
EPCR is delighted to announce that Cardiff and Bilbao have been selected as host cities for the tournament organiser's prestigious 2025 and 2026 Finals Weekends.
Following a highly competitive tender process conducted in conjunction with The Sports Consultancy that generated impressive bids from 23 stadia across 12 countries, the Board of EPCR awarded the 2025 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals to the Welsh capital's iconic 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium - widely regarded as one of the world's great sporting venues - and it was also decided that the 2026 showpiece matches would return to the superbly-appointed San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas said: "Cardiff and Rugby have always gone hand in hand, so we're delighted to welcome the Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup Finals back to the city for the first time in a decade, for what promises to be a memorable weekend."
"Since it opened, events at the Principality Stadium have generated in the region of £2 billion in visitor spending and supported more than 50,000 full-time jobs locally - clear evidence that as well as making for a special atmosphere in the city, major events like this also deliver significant economic benefits."
"Historically the EPCR always performs strongly for host cities in terms of visitor numbers and spend. In fact, the last time the tournament came to Cardiff it generated £24 million in direct economic impact just from a single Saturday match. Next year, with a whole weekend to enjoy, we would anticipate that being higher again."
Cardiff has a long and illustrious connection with EPCR having staged high-profile Heineken Cup/Champions Cup deciders on seven previous occasions - the last being in 2014 - and next year's event will celebrate the 30th edition of EPCR's elite final since Stade Toulousain made history by defeating Cardiff after extra-time at the old National Ground, Cardiff Arms Park in 1996, adjacent to the site of the Principality Stadium, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this season.
Ely and Caerau Integrated Children's Centre Shines in Estyn Inspection
Ely and Caerau Integrated Children's Centre, situated on Michaelston Road in Ely, has received commendations in its recent inspection conducted by Estyn, His Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales.
Inspectors highlighted the centre's commitment to providing a safe, inspiring, and nurturing environment for young children.
With no specific recommendations, the report encourages the centre to continue its improvement journey, building on the already impressive foundation.
Head of Centre, Annamaria Bevan said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our recent inspection. The teachers and practitioners at the centre are dedicated to their profession and work hard to ensure that the individual needs of children and families are met.
"We are proud to say that we use play and exploration as a vehicle for learning, supporting children through a freedom with guidance approach, enabling each and every child to make progress from their starting point."
Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Ely and Caerau Integrated Children's Centre stands as a testament to the dedication and excellence of its leadership and staff in providing a nurturing environment for the holistic development of young children.
"I would like to congratulate staff on this positive report."
At the time if inspection, Ely and Caerau Children's Centre had 69 children on roll with 7% identified as having additional learning needs.
Travel advice for Wales vs Scotland on 3 February in Cardiff
Wales will be taking on Scotland on Saturday 3 February at Principality Stadium.
With the kick-off taking place at 4.45pm - there will be a full city centre road closure from 12.45pm until 8.45pm to ensure all ticket holders can get into and out of the stadium safely.
The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy - please plan ahead - and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at Toy's R Us car park in the Sports Village.
Gates open at 2.30pm, those attending the rugby match are strongly advised to plan their journey and get in early. Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at principalitystadium.wales, in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city.
Road closures
From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will be closed because of the need to prepare Gate 5 and protect queuing fans.
The following roads will be closed as part of the full city centre road closure which will take place at 12.45pm until 8.45pm.
- Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street.
- Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street.
- Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted via Fitzhammon Embankment.)
- Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted.)
- The following roads will be closed in their entirety: Duke Street, Castle St, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street and Scott Road.
- Station Terrace and Guildford Street from the junction with Newport Road to the junction with Churchill Way will be access for buses only during the times of the road closures. This is to ensure that there is reliable access for buses to the satellite points in Churchill Way.
- Additionally, Penarth Road will be closed 30 minutes before the game finishes and up to hour after the final whistle on safety grounds for train passengers arriving and departing from the train station.
Additions:
Civic Centre: Access to part of the Civic Centre will be controlled throughout the day, with access allowed only for event parking, limited commuter parking, loading and access to private car parks.
Roads affected include King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road.