Agreement for the Procurement of Works and Services for the Cardiff Central Enhancements Project – The Delivery Phase (RNEP)

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“Network Rail”) intends to award a contract to Transport for Wales (“TfW”) in connection with the delivery phase of the Cardiff Central Enhancements Project (“CCEP”) at Cardiff Central Station (“Station”). TfW is a not-for-profit company wholly owned by the Welsh Government and has overall strategic responsibility for rail services in Wales and Borders. TfW has performed the lead developer and promoter role for CCEP since 2019, as agreed with the Welsh Government, Cardiff Capital Region and Department for Transport (“DfT”). TfW has led in developing the scheme, including the full business case, driven the strategy for CCEP (alongside other stakeholders) and has and continues to fulfil the role of project promoter for CCEP. TfW also perform the overall programme integration function across all funded projects at Cardiff Central (that includes Cardiff Crossrail and commercial developments).

The contract that Network Rail intends to award to TfW relates to the delivery phase of CCEP, whereby TfW will facilitate and manage the works on behalf of Network Rail.

TfW has awarded and is managing the main works sub-contract (which was awarded via the Crown Commercial Services Framework) and other ancillary contracts, in relation to the delivery of CCEP. TfW is also managing the Station Change process as a Station Investor pursuant to the National Station Access Conditions 2013 (England and Wales) (Incorporating amendments with effect from 1 April 2014, 19 January 2015, 1 April 2019, 1 July 2023, 1 April 2024 and 1 January 2025) in respect of the CCEP works. As a result of TfW’s overarching transport authority role on behalf of the Welsh Government, its long-standing involvement in CCEP and established operational capability (including local programme/procurement and contract-management arrangements for CCEP to date), Network Rail considers that competition is absent in respect of the contract to facilitate and manage the delivery phase of CCEP and that at this point in the Project, there are no reasonable alternatives to the required works/services (other than via Network Rail’s in house delivery function).

Network Rail is the freehold owner of the Station and shall be the owner of the Station following the completion of the CCEP works. Network Rail currently leases the Station to Transport for Wales Rail Limited (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of TfW) and will continue to do so after the works are completed.

NR’s contractual arrangements with TfW will require TfW, in appointing downstream suppliers and contractors to perform the CCEP works, to comply with TfW’s procurement law obligations.