Pedestrian-friendly improvements to Cardiff City Centre

Significant improvements will come into force in Cardiff city centre this October as the area continues to become more pedestrian-friendly. A brighter and safer environment will become a reality as changes to both pedestrian and traffic access commence from Mill Lane through The Hayes to St John Street.

The enhancements are part of an exciting time for Cardiff and form an invaluable function in transforming the city into a truly exceptional European capital, proudly placed on the international map.

Cardiff Council is dedicated to enhancing the city for those living, visiting and working within it and the commitment to more pedestrian-friendly environments will also ensure both historic buildings and new developments are easily accessible and fully appreciated by all.

From October 15th 2009 Mill Lane, Caroline Street, The Hayes, Working Street and St John Street will become pedestrianised from 10am to midnight, seven days a week. These streets will be closed to private vehicles. There will be access for delivery vehicles to businesses between midnight and 10am, seven days a week. In exceptional circumstances customers will also be able to collect exceptionally large items before 10am, seven days a week.

Access will be controlled by rising bollards which will be connected to the joint control room operated by the Council and South Wales Police. A permit system will also be introduced to allow 24 hour access to private off-street parking.

The area around the Hayes is steeped in history with a number of buildings dating back more than a hundred years. St Johns Church and gardens, The Old Library, the former David Morgan building, Royal and Morgan Arcades, Howells and Spillers Records are just a few examples of the built heritage that has helped to shape the Welsh capital. They have since been joined by St David’s Hall and recent improvements to both Mill Lane and The Brewery Quarter, Caroline Street.

With the arrival of the New Cardiff Library, the impressive St David’s Dewi Sant shopping centre and its flagship store John Lewis, another new era is beginning and the improvements coming into force will help complement the new retail development and make access safe and easy.

Cardiff Council Leader Rodney Berman said:

"Cardiff’s success is building and its future remains increasingly bright. The city is continually being recognised both nationally and internationally for the vast improvements we are making; not just in the city centre but across Cardiff as a whole.

"These are incredibly exciting times and with the official opening of St David’s Dewi Sant we will also have the introduction of pedestrian-friendly environments designed to aid access for all, safeguard pedestrians and create an area fitting of this important new development.

"What we are doing around the Hayes also shows our continued commitment to making Cardiff a Sustainable Travel City by reducing congestion in the long-term and improving travel by foot, bike and public transport. A new park and ride site off the A48 at Cardiff East, improved bus services providing more varied access into the city centre, the Pont-y-Werin Bridge connecting Cardiff and Penarth and a Smart bike scheme will all soon be joining our other developments.

"Cardiff is a vibrant city with a rising global standing and I look forward to seeing these many projects in their finished forms."