Cardiff Central receiving major facelift

Cardiff Central station is being redecorated as part of Transport for Wales' Station Improvement Vision

Cardiff Central station is receiving a facelift as a work has begun work to transform the appearance of Wales’ busiest station.

Trio Building Contractors of Pontyclun, South Wales, has been appointed by Transport for Wales (TfW) to carry out major redecoration of the station as part of its Station Improvement Vision.

Starting with Platform 0, the work includes redecoration of all existing painted surfaces, such as fences, building doors and window frames, lampposts, signage, barriers and handrails.

The painting will be done in the existing heritage colours of the Great Western Railway due to Cardiff Central’s listed building status and to reflect its historic status as part of Brunel’s iconic route from London to Wales.

Fresh paint and COVID-19 ‘2 metre distance’ markers at Cardiff Central station.

The work follows the installation of additional ticket barriers, subway improvements, new ticket machines and a refurbishment of the clocktower last year by Network Rail and Transport for Wales.

Originally opened in 1850, Cardiff Central was given a major overhaul in the early 1930s by the Great Western Railway’s chief architect Percy Emerson Culverhouse. He created the station’s iconic art deco style, which is still visible today, some of which mirrors the work Culverhouse did on Bristol Temple Meads station.

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said: “Cardiff Central station is the gateway into our capital city and our busiest station.

“It’s great to be progressing with major redecoration work and implementing our Station Improvement Vision as we continue to transform transport across Wales and the Borders.

“Covid19 has presented many challenges, but, as a result of low passenger numbers, we have pushed forward with our minor improvement works programme across the network and, as part of our Station Improvement Vision, we have also relined Chester car park and installed bike storage units at Abergavenny station.”

“We are following all safety guidance and measures but are continuing with our transformation works to improve transport for the people of Wales and the Borders.”