Foster + Partners has won the competition to design Cardiff Interchange, the city’s central bus station and part of the wider Central Square regeneration masterplan for the area, also by Foster + Partners. Bordering a vibrant public plaza, it will be a spectacular new gateway for visitors arriving to the city by train or bus.
The new interchange will be relocated closer to the Cardiff Central train station, allowing greater integration with rail and other transport networks. The new design focusses on legibility and ease of access with the aim of transforming the area into a new transport hub for the city. Designed to provide for a projected future increase in passenger traffic, it features world-class facilities for passengers and staff all under one roof, including an airport-style lounge, shops, cafes and restaurants, and a basement level car-park. With real-time information displays and dynamic stand allocation, it is designed to cater to the growing demands of one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK.
The mixed-use development also features offices and residential units on the upper floors, and the new public concourse opens directly on to the new public plaza on Central Square, creating an exciting new experience for visitors and residents alike.