Cardiff Peninsula

Apex provided transport planning advice to support both an outline planning application and Environmental Impact Assessment for a proposed development at Cardiff Peninsula, a major mixed-use waterfront regeneration scheme.

The proposals comprise approximately 1,000 residential apartments, 300 co-living units, 11 townhouses, a 220-bed hotel, around 30,000 sqm of employment space, alongside retail, food and drink, community and leisure uses. The proposed masterplan will create a new and vibrant waterfront development for the community to live, work, relax and visit, comprising approximately 15 buildings across six plots and including new infrastructure, public realm and landscaped areas.

The site has been vacant for many years and, to activate the site whilst the scheme progresses through the design and planning phase, Apex worked closely with the client team to consider temporary on-site uses such as padel courts, mini golf and a public area for screening live sports.

Apex prepared a comprehensive Transport Assessment and Framework Travel Plan to support the application, with a particular focus on sustainable connectivity, active travel and reducing reliance on the private car. We also provided support for the Environmental Impact Assessment by producing an Environmental Statement.

The key transport challenges related to:

• Demonstrating that a large-scale, mixed-use development could be successfully integrated with the surrounding transport network
• Ensuring high-quality and legible walking and cycling connections between the site and surrounding areas
• Promoting sustainable travel choices across a wide range of land uses, including residential, employment and leisure
• Designing a transport strategy that minimised reliance on the private car and aligned with national and local planning policy
• Accommodating the scale of development without resulting in unacceptable impacts on the surrounding highway network

All deliverables were informed by site analysis, policy review and a strong emphasis on integrating sustainable transport principles within the masterplanning of the scheme.

Sustainable connectivity and active travel

A detailed assessment of existing walking and cycling infrastructure was undertaken, demonstrating that the site benefits from strong connectivity to surrounding areas. Established routes provide direct access to local facilities, employment areas and public transport services.

The masterplan was developed to prioritise active travel, incorporating a network of high-quality, direct and legible walking and cycling routes throughout the site. These routes will connect seamlessly with the wider network, ensuring that the development is fully integrated with its surroundings and supports everyday journeys by sustainable modes.

Mobility hub and sustainable transport strategy

A key feature of the proposals is the provision of a centrally located mobility hub, forming the focus of movement within the development. The hub is designed to provide infrastructure that promotes, encourages and facilitates the uptake of sustainable transport options.

The mobility hub would include high-quality cycle parking, cycle hire facilities, car club provision, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and integration with public transport services. It also incorporates supporting uses such as co-working and community space, reducing the need to travel and encouraging local activity.

This approach ensures that sustainable transport options are both accessible and attractive, embedding them into the day-to-day operation of the development.

Traffic impact and Travel Plan

The Transport Assessment considered trip generation across all proposed land uses, demonstrating that the mixed-use nature of the development allows for internalisation of trips and reduces overall travel demand.

The assessment confirmed that the proposals would not result in unacceptable impacts on the surrounding highway network and, in some scenarios, would reduce traffic compared to previously consented development.

The Framework Travel Plan sets out a package of measures to support sustainable travel, including promotion, management and monitoring initiatives to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use and minimise vehicular impact on the surrounding network.

Environmental Statement

The Transport Chapter of the Environmental Statement considered the effect of the proposals against a number of environmental criteria. This demonstrated that, subject to suitable mitigation, the scheme would not have a significant adverse effect considered against the EIA Regulations.

The transport evidence prepared by Apex demonstrated that the Cardiff Peninsula development could be delivered as a highly accessible and sustainable mixed-use scheme.

The proposals are underpinned by strong active travel connectivity, a centrally located mobility hub and a comprehensive Travel Plan, ensuring that the development aligns with policy objectives and minimises reliance on the private car.

The scheme represents a significant regeneration opportunity, delivering a well-connected new community supported by a robust and forward-thinking transport strategy.