The Welsh Government is investing in a scheme to build a new parkway railway station on the main line east of Cardiff. It says construction could start next year, even though Network Rail says the station is only in the "early stages of development".
The station was initially proposed by local businessmen Nigel and Andrew Roberts to support development of land in the St Mellons area. They said the station would have four platforms, with two tracks slewed to accommodate the new facilities. The tracks, which have not yet been slewed, are currently being equipped with overhead electrification equipment.
The Government will become a shareholder and investor in South Wales Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture with Investec and the businessmen.
The Government and Investec will provide equal funding for the next phase of the development. This involves a £5m contribution from the Government, which said construction work was expected to begin next year. The ambition is for the station to be served by trains to Swansea, the Cardiff Capital Region, London, Bristol and Birmingham.
Network Rail has previously opposed additional stations between Newport and Cardiff because of the potential impact on capacity. The main line carries considerable freight traffic as well as frequent passenger trains.