Caerphilly Interchange – RIBA Stage 2 Project Brief

Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) are working together to bring forward the once in a generation plans for the development and expansion of the public transport network through the South Wales Metro. The key feature of this is the GBP795m electrification of the Core Valley Lines (CVL) which will provide more frequent, faster and high quality electrified rail services by 2023 / 2024, delivered through an GBP800m investment programme of new trains. The Metro aspiration is to provide a modern, effective, turn-up-and-go service for the people of Wales. A new Caerphilly interchange is expected to serve in excess of 1 million passengers, annually.

We want a high-quality gateway to the town which creates a strong first impression for passengers and customers, whilst being distinctly Caerphilly. We want a safe and comfortable building that effortlessly connects people with the movements of rail, bus, active travel and taxi. We want an anchoring destination that engages with local businesses and the community through mixed-use facilities and inclusive public realms. It shall become a transit oriented development catalyst for the wider economic and social regeneration within Caerphilly town centre (Caerphilly 2035). We want the scale and mass to be appropriate to Caerphilly, with views and glimpses of local landmarks, particularly the Castle, identified and enhanced. We want your proposal to deliver against the principles of the Design Commission for Wales’ Placemaking Guide (i.e.by working collaboratively across sectors and disciplines to consider the future development of distinctive and vibrant places), the TfW Placemaking Principles (i.e. to demonstrate long-term thinking about the positive impact that transport interchanges can have on passengers and communities) and embrace the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act (i.e. deliver against the 7 well-being goals according to the 5 ways of working).

The design shall demonstrate how it can meet the following two objectives: Objective 1: Transform our station’s current ‘poor’ customer experience by creating a new ‘living’ interchange building and public realm which places the customer first and is high-quality, safe, integrated, sustainable, affordable and accessible, whilst being distinctly Caerphilly (This objective shall be tested as part of a future public consultation).

Objective 2: The project can demonstrate that it can meet the following project milestones (to respond to the Levelling Up Fund prospectus)

RIBA Stage 2 Complete – August 2022

RIBA Stage 3&4 Complete – March 2023

RIBA Stage 5&6 Complete – Date TBC; March 2024 to March 2025 Additional information: The commission will be funded by CCBC and project managed by TfW. The design team will be required to work with subject specialists from both parties, in conjunction with wider stakeholders and the Design Commission for Wales