A new relief road linking Llanrumney to a major Cardiff road could be built as part of plans to transform one of Cardiff's park and ride sites. Proposals for the redevelopment of Cardiff East Park and Ride in Llanrumney have been revealed, with the new road, hundreds of new car parking spaces and improved access to the surrounding area all planned.
The site, which is one of three in the capital, is used by hundreds of people every day with the park and ride service dropping users into the city centre by bus in as little as 15 minutes. It currently contains around 1,000 parking spaces, as well as bus drop-off and pick-up points and an office building.
However, if the application by developers Curtis Hall Ltd is accepted by Cardiff council, the area will be transformed with the new relief road linking Llanrumney with one of the city's busiest roads. Get the latest news from across Cardiff sent straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter.
Read more: Plans approved for new KFC drive-thru in Cardiff to replace empty Pizza Hut
The development would see a new bridge relief road built across the Rhymney River, connecting the A48 Eastern Avenue in Pentwyn with Ball Road in Llanrumney. CGI views of the proposed development show that vehicles, including the buses from the park and ride, will travel across the bridge in either direction, with pedestrians and cyclists also able to use the relief road.
It is hoped by developers that the construction of the new road bridge will not only provide the first direct route between Llanrumney and Eastern Avenue, but also reduce traffic flows on local and residential roads in the area. The planning statement for the development adds that the bridge will "enhance accessibility and connectivity" to the main road, while also improving access to the park and ride.
This improved access "will reduce the number of car trips to the city centre, reducing congestion, pollution and carbon emissions," the statement continues. Cycle storage will also be installed across the redeveloped site, in a move to further "reduce the demand and dependence of journeys by car".
The huge redevelopment will also see existing buildings on the site demolished, with 600 new parking spaces created. The number of spaces at the site could even be doubled from the current amount, with an area which can accommodate a future 300 spaces also being cleared. However, if these extra spaces are required by the council in the future, they would be subject to a separate planning application.
New industrial and commercial units will also be built, with hundreds of jobs created through both the construction and occupation of the site. Landscape improvements will also be made in order to improve walking and cycling along the Rhymney Trail, which runs parallel to the river.
What do you think of the plans? Let us know in the comments below
Lighting will be introduced along the trail, with other footpaths brought into active management and engineering works carried out to reduce the flood risk designation of the site. Trees will also be planted throughout the development, including in the car parking zones, while seating areas connected to public rights of way will be retained and improved to offer "break out zones" for pedestrians and those using the park and ride service.
The planning statement adds: "The proposed development provides the opportunity to provide significant enhancements to the existing park and ride in addition to providing employment floorspace and improvements to the landscaping across the site. The proposal would deliver a number of economic, environment and social benefits, including a new bridge connecting the site with Llanrumney, providing local jobs through the construction and operation of the site and reducing the number of cars travelling to Cardiff city centre."
The application will now be considered by Cardiff council which will decide whether or not to grant it permission. Anyone wanting to make comments either in favour or in opposition to the proposals must do so by October 24.
READ NEXT:
- Plans for more affordable homes in growing Cardiff suburb given the go-ahead
- Plan to build new school on site of Cardiff velodrome met with opposition
- Canal that ran through Cardiff city centre opened up after almost 80 years
- The disgusting state of Cardiff's streets and the residents who have had enough
- Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena has changed its name back to the CIA
