The UK government has announced plans to build a new railway station in the Vale of Glamorgan, the new route reconnecting the village to the rail network for the first time in 60 years.
The plans were revealed during transport secretary Mark Harper’s visit to the Vale [19 February] to announce the UK government’s support for plans to improve rail links in the region.
As part of the visit, the Department for Transport has also pledged to work with both the local authority and Transport for Wales in funding and developing a business case for the new station.
This will include assessing passenger demand and forecasts as well as options for train services.
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Transport secretary Mark Harper said: “The return of services to St Athan for the first time in 60 years would be key to unlocking the area’s huge potential for growth, encouraging more businesses to invest in the area and opening up job opportunities for thousands of people.
“That’s why the UK government is unlocking funding to explore options for a new station, part of our plan to continue investing in local transport and help grow the economy.”
If approved for full delivery, the station would also provide an additional transport option for hundreds of staff at the nearby Aston Martin manufacturing and development facility, with the aim of attracting more businesses to invest in the Cardiff Airport-St Athan Enterprise Zones.
Secretary of state for Wales, David TC Davies, said: “The UK government has invested millions directly in Wales’ transport infrastructure, better connecting communities and creating greater opportunity for people across the country. This potential improvement to rail links in the Vale of Glamorgan is fantastic news.
“Together with the planned £1bn electrification of the North Wales Main Line, £50m for Cardiff cross rail and other investments from the South Wales Valleys to Aberystwyth, the UK government is delivering better rail infrastructure and improving journeys for passengers in every part of Wales.”
Achievements and innovations in transport planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
