Work on bus station to begin early in the New Year

Cardiff Council has revealed it expects work to begin on the city's new bus station and transport interchange early in the New Year.

Cllr Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, told last night's Full Council meeting that he has asked property developer Rightacres to submit a new planning application before Christmas to deal with some amendments to the commercial space that will sit above the bus station.

Cllr Goodway will then bring a report to Cabinet in December which will confirm a combination of commercial uses above the bus station that will enable the development to get underway early in the New Year.

Cllr Goodway said: "I have asked the developer to submit amendments to the planning application to allow the council to consider a mixed use development involving a small-scale speculative office element, private rented and student accommodation and potentially a hotel. As a result, Council needs to be aware that it is my intention to bring a report to Cabinet in December to gain authority to enter into a contract to deliver the scheme, which I believe will facilitate a start on site early in the New Year. Back in July I said we were committed to building the station and significant work has taken place since then to ensure work can begin."

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "We've always been clear on our commitment to deliver a bus station on the north side of the railway station and this announcement that work could begin early in the New Year demonstrates to everyone that progress is being made. Central Square is the biggest redevelopment site in Wales and the Council has played a major role in making it happen. The whole city will benefit from this development and the bus station/transport interchange is central to our plans as it always has been."