LOCATION:
The Roath Park Cycleway Scheme formed part of Cardiff Council’s city-wide Active Travel initiative, aiming to enhance sustainable transport links across the city. Located in the popular Roath Recreational Ground, the project involved the construction of a new cycleway and associated infrastructure to connect with existing and future cycle routes. Given the park’s high public profile and community use, the scheme required sensitive delivery and extensive stakeholder engagement.
The project included:
- Construction of a new segregated cycleway and footpaths around Roath Recreational Ground
- Highway improvements to connect the cycleway to Wellfield Road and future phases
- Installation of traffic calming measures including zebra crossings and speed tables
- Upgrades to bus stops and cycle facilities
- Alterations and upgrades to Penylan Community Centre car park, including EV charging point relocation and bin store construction
- Fibreoptic ducting and CCTV infrastructure along Penylan Road, Wellfield Road, and Ninian Road
- Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), including rain gardens and attenuation tanks
- Landscaping, lighting, signage, and public realm enhancements
Challenges
- High public visibility: Roath Park is a well-loved and busy public space, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption.
- Stakeholder coordination: The scheme involved multiple stakeholders, including schools, community centres, and Cardiff Council departments.
- Social value delivery: Meeting ambitious social value targets, including employment for NEETs and long-term unemployed, proved administratively challenging due to evidence requirements.
Solution
A dedicated public liaison officer supported ongoing community engagement through newsletters, events, and direct communication. The project team maintained continuity from previous Cardiff schemes, ensuring strong relationships and local knowledge. Social value delivery was adapted to focus on high-impact initiatives, including:
- STEM engagement with local schools
- Employment advice sessions at Parc Prison
- Apprenticeships, work placements, and job creation
- Volunteering and donations to local organisations
Outcome
The Roath Park Cycleway Scheme was successfully completed in December 2024, delivering a high-quality, accessible route that promotes active travel and connects key areas of the city.
The project exceeded its social value pledge, delivering over £150,000 in community benefits. It also achieved a Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 42/45 and left a lasting legacy through education, employment, and community engagement.
