Connect with us

Business

Cardiff Parkway train station project expected to secure major UK Government funding boost

Published

on

Business Live

Engineering giant Rolls-Royce has appraised the scheme’s business park element as ticking all the right boxes for a major hub with the potential to create thousands of high-skilled jobs

An artist's rendering of a modern train station featuring a spacious platform with individuals walking and a glass-enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting the station to another structure. Various trains are depicted, some arriving and others departing.

(Image: Wilkinson Eyre)

The planned Cardiff Parkway new mainline train station at St Mellons in Cardiff is expected to secure a major boost from the UK Government.

The project, which secured planning permission last year from the Welsh Government, would be integrated into a business park that, over the long term, could see around 900,000sq ft of new employment space built – with the potential to support thousands of new jobs.

Advertisement

The funding is expected to be additional to the £445m announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her three-year spending review last summer, which takes effect from April, for rail enhancement projects in Wales.

The Chancellor also referred to the Parkway project, although without a funding commitment, in her Budget back in November and again a month later at the Welsh Government’s Investment Summit.

In the spending review the UK Government in comparison has set aside £1bn towards development work for rail enhancement projects in the north of England, which over the long-term is expected to see investment of £45bn.

The Parkway announcement is expected to be confirmed alongside publication of Transport for Wales’ new vision document, endorsed by the Wales Rail Board, which will outline a pipeline of rail enhancement projects seeking further UK Government funding.

Advertisement

It is understood that the vision document, which was expected to published later this week, has been pushed back a few weeks. Projects included will be the removal of level crossings to speed up train times on the North Wales Mainline, increased services from Wrexham to Liverpool, and further phases of the South Wales Metro, where the £1.1bn electrification of the Core Valley Lines is close to completion.

Further investment is need to ensure four services per hour (currently just two) on the most densely populated parts of the network on the Coryton and City Lines that run through Cardiff.

READ MORE: Largest ever number of renewable projects in Wales backed in UK Goverment auction roundREAD MORE: Admiral invests in fund backing growth of UK mid-market firms

The Cardiff Parkway project is being driven by Cardiff Parkway Developments, which is owned by financial services giant Investec, the Roberts family and the Welsh Government, which has a minority 10% interest.

Advertisement

Due to the protracted time it took the Welsh Government to make a favourable planning decision – for which a number of previous ministers had little appetite to see approved – the cost of the train station element and required rail corridor investment has increased from the initial projection.

Work is still required on the final design of the station, as well as confirmation of the number of trains that could call there.

The station would serve some of the most deprived communities not only in Cardiff, but across Wales, including Trowbridge, Rhymney, Llanrumney and St Mellons.

The funding required for the train station and related road and utility infrastructure to serve the business park – where buildings would be developed on a pre-let basis – is around £180m.

Advertisement

Transport for Wales (TfW) would take a long lease to run the station, with a privately funded securitisation deal against future rents providing upfront capital. TfW’s leasing costs would be covered by increased rail ticket sales and car parking income.

More detailed work is required to assess the number of trains that could stop at the station, which in turn would impact car parking offset income.

For the business park element, as the site is included in the Cardiff and Newport UK Government-backed investment zone, some of the required infrastructure could be financed through tax increment financing.

This allows borrowing against future business rates generated by new companies attracted to the park.

Advertisement

Unlike investment zones in England where 100% of business rates are retained for further investment, the Welsh Government intends to keep half of the rates raised.

The zone will be overseen by the Cardiff Capital Region.

A simpler funding model for Parkway Station would be for Network Rail to take over ownership of the station itself, or potentially for Transport for Wales (TfW) to do so as a devolved asset.

This would allow Cardiff Parkway Developments to focus on attracting new investment into the integrated business park.

Advertisement

There is already strong interest from engineering giant Rolls-Royce, which has appraised the site as ticking all the right boxes for a potential new hub investment that could create thousands of high-skilled jobs.

It has appraised Parkway’s planned business park positively due to its own train station, access to a skilled workforce, nine universities across south Wales and the west of England, and the security afforded by a 200-acre site with close rail proximity to both Cardiff and Bristol.

The company has already established a satellite office at a nearby business park in St Mellons for its Submarines division, which will eventually create 200 jobs.

While it continues to assess the site for further investment, clarity around the station would only strengthen the case for a hub development.

Advertisement

Of the £445m announced last year by the Chancellor for rail enhancement projects, £90m is allocated for development work to build cases for further investment.

It also includes £77.87m from the Department for Transport for the upgrade of Cardiff Central Station.

The remainder of the cost, despite it being a non-devolved rail asset, will be funded by the Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region. This leaves only around £300m from the spending review allocation for Wales.

The planned Burns stations between Cardiff and the Severn Tunnel – recommended by the Lord Burns Commission, set up by the Welsh Government after it decided not to proceed with the £1bn M4 Relief Road – have an estimated cost of around £70m each (with Magor expected to be lower).

Advertisement

As a result, there is insufficient funding to deliver all of the Burns stations, let alone other projects.

However, an announcement on Parkway would be a step in the right direction, although it would need to be followed by further fundingcommitments from the UK Government.

Speaking recently to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, TfW chairman Vernon Everitt said the current spending review envelope of £445m for rail projects in Wales needs to be built on significantly.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Onto Innovation: Why The Risk Is To The Downside

Published

on

Onto Innovation: Why The Risk Is To The Downside

Onto Innovation: Why The Risk Is To The Downside

Continue Reading

Business

Market Brief: Is Bitcoin Approaching A Cycle Transition?

Published

on

Market Brief: Is Bitcoin Approaching A Cycle Transition?

BloFin Research focuses on crypto research and analysis, dedicated to providing institutional-grade insights into the digital asset market. Our work covers major crypto assets, market trends from a macroeconomic perspective, and industry-wide studies on key developments shaping the digital asset ecosystem.

Continue Reading

Business

(VIDEO) Selena Gomez Praises Taylor Swift’s Songwriting in Heartfelt Instagram Tribute

Published

on

Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift

Selena Gomez paid glowing tribute to Taylor Swift’s songwriting prowess in a new Instagram Story video posted late Thursday, highlighting the enduring bond between the two longtime friends and their shared history in the spotlight.

Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift

In the clip, Gomez lip-synced enthusiastically to Swift’s unreleased track “Father Figure,” a song that has circulated among fans in bootleg form and gained renewed attention recently. Overlaid text on the video read a simple but pointed message: “The songwriting… unmatched,” with heart emojis emphasizing her admiration. The post appeared on Gomez’s “Secret Friends” Story list — a private feature she’s used this week to share exclusive content, including never-before-seen photos with Swift.

The tribute arrives just days after Gomez opened up in depth about Swift’s songwriting during an appearance on the “Friends Keep Secrets” web series, hosted by her husband Benny Blanco alongside rapper Lil Dicky. In the March 3 episode, Gomez confirmed long-standing fan theories that Swift’s 2020 “Evermore” track “Dorothea” was written about her, praising how eloquently Swift captured their nearly two-decade friendship.

“Well, ‘Dorothea’ is about me, one of her songs,” Gomez said on the podcast. “I feel like a lot of huge moments that were self-defining, from relationships to family to love to hate, all of it in between — we were figuring it out because I was 15 and she was 18, and we didn’t really know what was going on. And so we’ve never seen each other any differently. So when I listen to it, I’m so impressed how it’s eloquently put.”

Gomez, 33, described connecting with Swift’s music “a million percent” on a different level, attributing it to their parallel journeys from teenage stars to accomplished women navigating Hollywood’s highs and lows. She also revealed that Swift penned an unreleased song titled “Family” more than a decade ago about their bond, with lyrics imagining their dreams of stardom — “you have these amazing dreams. You want to be in a movie, in every crowd I see you.”

Advertisement

The Instagram video tribute amplified that sentiment, with fans quickly screenshotting and sharing the clip across social platforms. “The way Selena just casually reminds us Taylor’s pen game is elite,” one commenter wrote on X. Others noted the timing, coming amid Swift’s ongoing personal milestones, including preparations for her rumored wedding to Travis Kelce, speculated for June 13 at Ocean House in Rhode Island.

Gomez and Swift’s friendship dates back to 2008, when they met as rising Disney talents — Gomez on “Wizards of Waverly Place” and Swift climbing the country-to-pop charts. They’ve supported each other through breakups, career pivots, health challenges and public scrutiny. Swift attended Gomez’s September 2025 wedding to Blanco in California, where she reportedly gave a heartfelt speech. In return, Gomez has been a fixture at Swift’s events, including Eras Tour stops and award shows.

The latest gestures underscore how their relationship has evolved into one of mutual artistic respect. Gomez, who has released albums like “Rare” and built the billion-dollar beauty brand Rare Beauty, has increasingly spoken about Swift’s influence. During the podcast, she marveled at both finding stable partners after past heartbreaks — Swift with Kelce and Gomez with Blanco — calling it unbelievable luck.

Swift’s songwriting has long been celebrated for its personal storytelling, earning her multiple Grammys, including Album of the Year wins for “Folklore” and “Midnights.” Tracks like “Dorothea,” with its nostalgic reflection on a small-town friend chasing fame, exemplify her ability to weave real-life inspirations into universal anthems. Fans have long speculated about Gomez references in Swift’s catalog, from “Evermore” to earlier songs, but Gomez’s recent confirmations provide rare firsthand insight.

Advertisement

The “Father Figure” lip-sync adds another layer, as the track — believed to date from Swift’s earlier catalog sessions — touches on themes of guidance and admiration, which Gomez appeared to mirror in her praise. While neither artist has commented further publicly, the moment has sparked widespread fan appreciation for their supportive dynamic in an often competitive industry.

Gomez’s post caps a week of nostalgia for the pair. Earlier, she shared throwback images via her Secret Friends list, including unseen photos from Swift’s wedding preparations and past hangouts. The gestures come as both navigate busy careers: Gomez continues starring in “Only Murders in the Building” and expanding Rare Beauty, while Swift remains one of music’s top earners with ongoing projects post-Eras Tour.

Industry observers see these public affirmations as a refreshing contrast to celebrity feuds that dominate headlines. “In an era of manufactured drama, Selena and Taylor’s genuine friendship stands out,” said one entertainment analyst. “It’s a reminder of how powerful long-term support can be.”

As clips of the tribute circulated Friday morning, hashtags like #SelenaPraisesTaylor and #SwiftSongwriting trended on social media. Fans expressed hope for future collaborations, though both have focused on solo endeavors in recent years.

Advertisement

Gomez’s tribute reinforces Swift’s reputation as one of the era’s most gifted lyricists, while highlighting the depth of their bond. In a business built on fleeting alliances, their nearly 18-year friendship — immortalized in songs and now celebrated anew — remains a rare and enduring highlight.

Continue Reading

Business

What’s Driving The Gold Price? … And Other Important Questions

Published

on

What’s Driving The Gold Price? ... And Other Important Questions

Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.Be the first to know! Sign up for Invesco US Blog and get expert investment views as they post.Disclosure for all Invesco US articles: Before investing, carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of the suitability of any investment strategy for a particular investor. Invesco does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state tax laws are complex and constantly changing. Investors should always consult their own legal or tax professional for information concerning their individual situation. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Invesco investment professionals. NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE All data provided by Invesco unless otherwise noted. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd.’s retail products and collective trust funds. Invesco Advisers, Inc. and other affiliated investment advisers mentioned provide investment advisory services and do not sell securities. Invesco Unit Investment Trusts are distributed by the sponsor, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc., and broker-dealers including Invesco Distributors, Inc. PowerShares® is a registered trademark of Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC (Invesco PowerShares). Each entity is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. ©2015 Invesco Ltd. All rights reserved.

Continue Reading

Business

Form 4 German American Bancorp Inc For: 7 March

Published

on


Form 4 German American Bancorp Inc For: 7 March

Continue Reading

Business

Concurrent Losers: 10 BSE-200 stocks decline for 5 consecutive sessions

Published

on

The Economic Times

Over the last five trading sessions ending March 6, the BSE Sensex benchmark tumbled 4.05%, or 3,330 points, to close at 78,918. The index recorded losses in four of those five sessions. During this period, around 10 stocks within the BSE 200 posted consistent declines across all five sessions. (Data source: ACE Equity)

Continue Reading

Business

Coforge, Persistent Systems among 10 stocks that have fallen most in 2026. Do you own any?

Published

on

The Economic Times

Several stocks on the BSE 200 index have seen sharp declines at the start of CY2026 as volatility grips markets. Technology and new-age companies dominate the list of laggards. Coforge, LTIMindtree and Persistent Systems lead the fall, reflecting pressure on IT stocks amid global uncertainty and concerns around rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

Continue Reading

Business

What is the fastest growing thing in finance? SIPs? SIFs? Credit cards? Radhika Gupta answers

Published

on

What is the fastest growing thing in finance? SIPs? SIFs? Credit cards? Radhika Gupta answers
India’s financial landscape has been undergoing a rapid transformation as more people begin participating in investments, banking and digital payments. One of the most notable changes in recent years is the rising participation of women across multiple financial segments, including mutual funds, insurance, stock market investing, cryptocurrency and digital payments.

Highlighting this trend, Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, said that women are currently the fastest-growing segment in finance.

Also Read | Women crypto investors grow 116.8% in India, hold 4 different digital assets: CoinDCX

In a recent video shared on social media platform X, Gupta posed a question about what has been the fastest-growing development in the financial sector lately. While one might assume the answer to be mutual fund SIPs, the newly launched product by SEBI, SIFs, or credit cards, Gupta explained that the real answer is the rise of women in finance.
Speaking in the video, Gupta highlighted several rising trends that show how women are increasingly shaping India’s financial ecosystem. According to her, women have recorded nearly 140% growth in mutual fund folios, reflecting a sharp rise in their participation in market-linked investments.


The trend is not limited to mutual funds. Gupta noted that women’s presence has been expanding across a range of financial products. In the insurance sector, she pointed out that one in three life insurance policies in India is now held by women, indicating a growing focus on financial security and long-term planning.
Women are also becoming more active in the stock market. Gupta said their participation in equities has grown by more than 300%, demonstrating a strong shift from traditional saving habits towards investment-oriented financial planning.Beyond investments, women are increasingly using formal financial services. Gupta highlighted that bank account coverage among women has reached around 89%, reflecting the progress made in expanding financial inclusion. At the same time, their participation in credit markets has also risen.

Women have also played a major role in the growth of digital payments in the country. The surge in transactions through Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has transformed the way Indians transact, has been partly driven by the growing number of women using digital financial platforms.

Advertisement

Also Read | Share of equity mutual funds in portfolio of women investor surge to 32% in 5 years : Report

Summing up the trend, Gupta said that while the financial industry often focuses on products, platforms and technology, the most important shift is the growing financial participation of women themselves.

“The fastest-growing thing in finance today is women,” Gupta said, underscoring how their rising presence is reshaping the country’s financial landscape.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

If you have any mutual fund queries, message ET Mutual Funds on Facebook or Twitter. We will get them answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions at ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in along with your age, risk profile and Twitter handle.

Advertisement
Add ET Logo as a Reliable and Trusted News Source

Continue Reading

Business

Top 10 mutual funds to invest through SIP with investment horizon of 3 years. Check details

Published

on

The Economic Times

Several mutual funds have delivered strong SIP returns over the past three years, led by gold funds and multi-asset allocation schemes. Data from Value Research shows that a monthly SIP of Rs 10,000 in some of these funds would have grown significantly, highlighting the potential of disciplined long-term investing.

Continue Reading

Business

Enphase: The ‘Sneaky AI Thesis’ Played Out, Now It’s Time To Step Aside (NASDAQ:ENPH)

Published

on

Enphase: The ‘Sneaky AI Thesis’ Played Out, Now It’s Time To Step Aside (NASDAQ:ENPH)

This article was written by

Julian Lin is a financial analyst. He finds undervalued companies with secular growth that appreciate over time. His approach is to look for companies with strong balance sheets and management teams in sectors with long growth runways.
Julian is the leader of the investing group Best Of Breed Growth Stocks where he only shares positions in stocks which have a large probability of delivering large alpha relative to the S&P 500. He also combines growth-oriented principles with strict valuation hurdles to add an additional layer to the conventional margin of safety. Features include: exclusive access to Julian’s highest conviction picks, full stock research reports, real-time trade alerts, macro market analysis, individual industry reports, a filtered watchlist, and community chat with access to Julian 24/7. Learn more.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025