The interchange proposed by Foster + Partners is arranged under a single roof that integrates the building in the great Central Square. The program includes shopping and restaurants as well as an underground parking. This is the third building the practice is designing on Central Square, following the new BBC Wales project and a further office building adjacent to the interchange.
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.
Gerard Evendon, Senior Executive Partner at Foster + Partners.-
“We are delighted that our design for the Cardiff Interchange has been selected. The new bus interchange is a vital component of the entire Central Square redevelopment project, which will completely revamp the image of the city. We are committed to delivering a bus station that provides the best passenger experience to the city’s residents, commuters and visitors. We are excited about working with the City of Cardiff council and Rightacres Property Limited to give Cardiff the world-class transport infrastructure it deserves."
