Envoy
Established Member
- Joined
- 29 Aug 2014
- Messages
- 3,127
In view of the major changes planned for land both north & south of Cardiff Central Station, I am starting this forum on the subject.
On the north side, the present bus station is to go and be replaced by a new HQ for BBC Wales. Surrounding 1960's office blocks will also be demolished to make way for new buildings - the first of which is already being constructed alongside the Taff.
It is the removal of the bus station that is likely to attract the most controversy. It has been suggested that it could move to the site of the present Marland House. I think that this would be most unfortunate as we would then have buses & coaches forming a barrier for pedestrians walking between the the Central Station and the main shopping areas. I would prefer to see a direct walkway heading from the station in a north easterly direction towards the Royal Hotel and therefore cutting across the site of the present Marland House. I note from the plans that this is not proposed - which is a shame as the straight line distance would reduce the walk from the station to St.Mary Street. You can read more on proposals for the north side = Central Square, here:http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/cardiffs-new-central-square-development-8018417
Now for the south side. Already, a new line and platform are being constructed along with a new entrance. It has been suggested that a new bus & coach station could go on the south side - possibly on the site of the car park. I think that this would be a good idea as it would remove long distance coaches from many streets in Cardiff. National Express, Greyhound etc. could access such a coach station from the A4232 via the Bay - where they could have a stop near County Hall. They could then proceed up Lloyd George Avenue. Of course, this assumes that the Eastern Bay Link is built. I note that the Bay tunnel was opened in 1993 & nothing has happened since apart from an announcement to build 1 more mile of this road.
Cardiff Bus could also run some services via the south side. I don't really see the point of Cardiff Bus needing a bus station where services come and dwell. Surely, they should simply pass through the central area in very much the same way as the Valley Line trains? The south side would also not be prone to closures during Millennium Stadium events. Bus & coach passengers would have a short walk under the railway bridge to reach the central area from a south side station.
I would not like to see the introduction of trams on Cardiff's streets. They are noisy - especially when turning corners. Bristol spent millions planning a tram system all for it to be eventually called off on cost grounds. (They now plan to develop the local rail system). We all know about the Edinburgh tram fiasco with massive disruption, spiralling coasts & late delivery. In my opinion, Cardiff should steer well clear of trams. Far better to get the local rail system electrified and hopefully with the introduction of modern rolling stock. This would not only serve Cardiff but would be the most suitable way of providing longer journeys across south east Wales such as Merthyr to Rhoose (Cardiff Airport) or Rhymney to Penarth. Another case against trams being used on the 'normal' rail system is that they require a different voltage (lower power). If we have 'normal' trains operating it would mean full voltage electrification and therefore allow the new Super Express Trains for the GWML to be diverted via Barry & Llantwit Major should the main line be out of use.
online.co.uk/news/local-news/cardiff-going-boom-next-economic-8099294
On the north side, the present bus station is to go and be replaced by a new HQ for BBC Wales. Surrounding 1960's office blocks will also be demolished to make way for new buildings - the first of which is already being constructed alongside the Taff.
It is the removal of the bus station that is likely to attract the most controversy. It has been suggested that it could move to the site of the present Marland House. I think that this would be most unfortunate as we would then have buses & coaches forming a barrier for pedestrians walking between the the Central Station and the main shopping areas. I would prefer to see a direct walkway heading from the station in a north easterly direction towards the Royal Hotel and therefore cutting across the site of the present Marland House. I note from the plans that this is not proposed - which is a shame as the straight line distance would reduce the walk from the station to St.Mary Street. You can read more on proposals for the north side = Central Square, here:http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/cardiffs-new-central-square-development-8018417
Now for the south side. Already, a new line and platform are being constructed along with a new entrance. It has been suggested that a new bus & coach station could go on the south side - possibly on the site of the car park. I think that this would be a good idea as it would remove long distance coaches from many streets in Cardiff. National Express, Greyhound etc. could access such a coach station from the A4232 via the Bay - where they could have a stop near County Hall. They could then proceed up Lloyd George Avenue. Of course, this assumes that the Eastern Bay Link is built. I note that the Bay tunnel was opened in 1993 & nothing has happened since apart from an announcement to build 1 more mile of this road.
Cardiff Bus could also run some services via the south side. I don't really see the point of Cardiff Bus needing a bus station where services come and dwell. Surely, they should simply pass through the central area in very much the same way as the Valley Line trains? The south side would also not be prone to closures during Millennium Stadium events. Bus & coach passengers would have a short walk under the railway bridge to reach the central area from a south side station.
I would not like to see the introduction of trams on Cardiff's streets. They are noisy - especially when turning corners. Bristol spent millions planning a tram system all for it to be eventually called off on cost grounds. (They now plan to develop the local rail system). We all know about the Edinburgh tram fiasco with massive disruption, spiralling coasts & late delivery. In my opinion, Cardiff should steer well clear of trams. Far better to get the local rail system electrified and hopefully with the introduction of modern rolling stock. This would not only serve Cardiff but would be the most suitable way of providing longer journeys across south east Wales such as Merthyr to Rhoose (Cardiff Airport) or Rhymney to Penarth. Another case against trams being used on the 'normal' rail system is that they require a different voltage (lower power). If we have 'normal' trains operating it would mean full voltage electrification and therefore allow the new Super Express Trains for the GWML to be diverted via Barry & Llantwit Major should the main line be out of use.
online.co.uk/news/local-news/cardiff-going-boom-next-economic-8099294
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