The UK government has announced its support for establishing a new railway station at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales.
This plan would restore rail services to the area for the first time in 60 years via the decommissioned Vale of Glamorgan line.
This would improve connectivity to the Cardiff Airport Enterprise Zone, the Aston Martin manufacturing facility, and the upcoming green energy park at the site of the old Aberthaw Power Station.
On Monday 19 February, Transport Secretary Mark Harper visited South Wales to announce the government’s commitment to funding a business case to assess options for this project.
“The return of services to St Athan for the first time in 60 years would be key to unlocking the area’s huge potential for growth, encouraging more businesses to invest in the area and opening up job opportunities for thousands of people.
“That’s why the UK government is unlocking funding to explore options for a new station, part of our plan to continue investing in local transport and help grow the economy.”
The UK Department for Transport will now work with the local authority and Transport for Wales to fund and develop the business case for the new station.
This process will explore the potential benefits of the new station and will asses passenger demand and forecasts, alongside options for train services.
“The UK government has invested millions directly in Wales’ transport infrastructure, better connecting communities and creating greater opportunity for people across the country. This potential improvement to rail links in the Vale of Glamorgan is fantastic news.
“Together with the planned £1 billion electrification of the North Wales Main Line, £50 million for Cardiff cross rail and other investments from the South Wales Valleys to Aberystwyth, the UK government is delivering better rail infrastructure and improving journeys for passengers in every part of Wales.”
