The Western Gateway rail deal, which aims to enhance local train access and services, has received strong support from Alex Madden, Head of Planning and Environmental, who spoke at the launch event which was hosted at our city-centre headquarters overlooking Cardiff Central station.
The launch of the new deal gathered 100 political and industry stakeholders, with support from Network Rail, Transport for Wales, the West of England Combined Authority, Cardiff Capital Region, and the Railway Industry Association.
The deal outlines a locally backed plan to construct at least 30 new stations, providing around 250,000 more people with easier access to local trains. Additionally, it aims to introduce 23 new services per hour and upgrade six major existing stations. If successfully implemented, the deal could potentially contribute an extra £17 billion to the UK economy through productivity improvements.
Alex Madden, Partner and member of our expert Rail team, said:
“The Western Gateway rail deal is an exciting proposal for the region, bringing much-needed new stations and additional services, making it easier for people to travel for work and leisure, and boosting the local economy.”
Alex acknowledged the importance of the initiative, particularly considering the UK Government’s recent acknowledgment of underfunding in the Wales network, the 2025 net zero target, and Cardiff’s forecasted economic boom, which ranks just behind London in growth according to the latest Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index.
Alex added;
“Our current network simply does not deliver what is needed to satisfy both environmental targets and growing demand for services. As a large employer in Cardiff, with clients across the Western Gateway region and beyond, we’re delighted to host today’s event and welcome the rail deal as a vital mechanism for unlocking and maximising opportunity.”
Joining Alex on the speakers panel, hosted by Huw Thomas (Leader of Cardiff Council and Vice-Chair of Western Gateway), were Nia Watkins (Regional Asset Manager, Network Rail), Phil Harrison (Chair of Rail Industry Association Wales and Western), Dan Okey (Head of Regional & Welsh Development, GWR) and David McCallum (Strategic Development Programme Manager and Rail Lead, Transport for Wales). Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS, opened the event with a video message of support for the deal. Also in attendance was Peredur Owen Griffiths MS (Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Local Government and Transport).
Speaking at the event, Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of the Western Gateway Partnership, shared that research by the partnership suggested that the area has the potential to be the fastest growing economy outside of London by 2030 if improved cross border collaboration can continue.
Sarah said:
“The Western Gateway area is poised to be the fastest-growing region outside of London, yet it has not had the critical investment in public transport infrastructure that other areas of the country have seen, particularly in rail,
“This rail deal is deliverable and proportionate to the extraordinary offer that our economy presents to the UK. We recognise that we need to have clear strategic priorities to make sure we are ready to deliver the change we need at pace. This deal shows we are serious and is a demonstration of collective will from across our local leaders, MPs, our transport bodies and the industry that is ready to deliver our area’s ambitions.”
