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GRAHAM Appointed as Cardiff Crossrail Enabling Works Begin on £100m Transport Scheme


Enabling works for the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail are set to commence on 15 June 2026, marking a major milestone in the delivery of a new tram-train connection between Cardiff Central Railway Station and Cardiff Bay.


The joint project between Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales has appointed GRAHAM as principal contractor to deliver Phase 1a of the scheme, which forms part of the wider Cardiff Crossrail vision.


Backed by £100 million of joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the project will create a new public transport link through Callaghan Square and support several major regeneration projects across the city.


Project Overview

Phase 1a will deliver:

  • New tram-train connection between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay

  • Connection via the new Loudoun Square Railway Station, currently under construction

  • New tram platforms at Cardiff Central Railway Station

  • Additional platform at Cardiff Bay Railway Station

  • New twin-track tramway through Callaghan Square

  • Highway improvements and road layout alterations

  • Sustainable drainage infrastructure

  • New public realm and landscaping

  • Segregated cycle routes

  • Improved pedestrian crossings


The works represent the first stage of a much larger Cardiff Crossrail programme, which aims to create a modern tram network linking Plasdwr in the north-west of Cardiff with the proposed Cardiff Parkway Station in the east.


Funding and Strategic Importance

The project is supported by £100 million of public investment and forms a key component of Cardiff’s wider transport and regeneration strategy.


The new tram-train connection will support:

  • Cardiff Central Station redevelopment

  • Callaghan Square regeneration

  • Cardiff Bay regeneration

  • Atlantic Wharf development

  • The new 16,500-seat indoor arena currently under construction

  • Future South Wales Metro connectivity


The scheme is intended to improve sustainable transport options, reduce dependency on private vehicles and support long-term economic growth across the capital.


Contractor Appointment


Principal Contractor:

GRAHAM


Client Team:

  • Cardiff Council

  • Transport for Wales


Funding Partners:

  • Welsh Government

  • UK Government Levelling Up Fund


Location:

Callaghan Square

Cardiff

Wales


Early Works Programme

Construction activity commencing in June 2026 will focus primarily on:

  • Site clearance

  • Utility diversions

  • Highway modifications

  • Infrastructure preparation works


Significant utility diversion works will be required beneath Callaghan Square before track installation can commence.


The complexity of the underground infrastructure has made the enabling works phase a critical element of the overall delivery programme.


ConstructNet Opportunity Analysis

With enabling works now commencing and a substantial programme of infrastructure delivery ahead, the scheme provides visibility of future supply chain opportunities across multiple disciplines.


Potential opportunities may include:

  • Utility diversion works

  • Groundworks and civils packages

  • Rail infrastructure works

  • Track installation

  • Drainage and sustainable drainage systems

  • Highways and public realm works

  • Landscaping packages

  • Street lighting and electrical infrastructure

  • Traffic management

  • Plant hire

  • Materials supply

  • Waste management and recycling services

  • Specialist rail and transport systems


The appointment of GRAHAM also provides valuable intelligence for suppliers seeking opportunities within major transport and infrastructure projects across Wales.


Key Dates

Principal Contractor Appointed: GRAHAM

Enabling Works Start: 15 June 2026

Funding Value: £100 million

Location: Cardiff, Wales

Sector: Rail & Urban Transport Infrastructure


ConstructNet Disclaimer

This ConstructNet Intelligence Feed has been produced using publicly available procurement, planning, project and industry information together with ConstructNet analysis and commentary. Project details, timescales, procurement routes, supply chain opportunities and market observations are provided for business development, research and informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, commercial, legal or procurement advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, readers should independently verify all information and carry out their own due diligence before making business, procurement or investment decisions. ConstructNet accepts no liability for any actions taken or decisions made based on information contained within this publication.


 
 
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