Board 3 - Step 2: You Said
Consultation has concluded
In Step 2 of our Community Engagement (sharing our ideas share and online questionnaire), we received 220 comments on our proposals across seven themes and areas of the interchange site.
A summary of this feedback is presented here, and we have used this to guide the further development of our designs.
A New Gateway to Caerphilly
Public Sentiment
How do you feel about the proposals for the new station entrance
Do you agree with putting the main entrance here?
Don’t Know: 8%
No: 12%
Yes: 80%
‘Much like the new library, the design should incorporate castle like stonework as much as possible within a modern design to bring out the unique history and story of our town.’
‘Can CCBC, TFW and your Design Consultant be made aware of the initiative called Changing Places and the need to enhance traditional public toilet facilities so that they are fully accessible for all.’
‘Ensure that safe spaces for pedestrians away from cyclists. Potential for conflict on shared crossing and around cycle parking.’
‘People from all over the world come to Caerphilly to see the heritage and we will be giving them a boxy building which could be found anywhere without any special characteristics.’
‘The availability of a high quality fully accessible facility within Caerphilly Town Centre has the potential to be beneficial.’
‘A train/bus station is often the first thing a visitor sees when arriving in a new place.’
‘What about pick up drop off points?’
The Eastern Approach
Public Sentiment
How do you feel about the proposals for this part of the interchange?
Would you be likely to use these cycle links to the interchange?
I don’t cycle: 16%
No: 29%
Not Sure: 19%
Yes: 36%
‘The bus area often is empty - buses don’t stay long. The way the buses wait here means lots of fumes, reversing alarms and a whole lot of wasted area.’
‘What is important is adequate, free long stay parking. A failure to address this discourages use of the rail and bus system by car users and may cause me a problem from cars being parked in my street all day.’
‘You need to deal with the issue of pollution.’
‘Don’t make the cycle access routes a longer route to keep them on the ‘quieter roads’. Cycling requires effort, so needs to be the most direct route or you will either put people off cycling’
‘If there are no EV charging points currently at this site should they be provided as part of the Interchange improvement?’
Effortless Interchange
Public Sentiment
How do you feel about the proposals for the bus concourse and waiting spaces?
Which of the following would you be more likely to use to wait for your train/bus?
Neither: 6%
Open Areas: 50%
Outside the Station: 39%
Waiting Rooms: 5%
‘I use buses a lot in other areas but rarely in Caerphilly as I find it so difficult to navigate.’
‘The current interchange isn’t too bad at protecting you from rain but the cold definitely is felt when you are waiting and it can get so, so bitter at times. So we definitely need better protection in that regard.
‘Smoking and vaping is a HUGE problem in Caerphilly station.
‘Also need seating near individual bus stands as won’t be able to see buses from waiting area (and they tend to change stands!)’
‘I like how this design tackles the transfer issues (both physically and visually) and also deals with the air quality issues while waiting for a bus.’
A New South Entrance
Public Sentiment
How do you feel about the proposals for the New South Entrance
If you cycled, would you use the secure cycle parking here?
I don’t cycle: 10%
No: 5%
Not Sure: 35%
Yes: 50%
‘This would be a great solution as many residents approach the station from this side.’
‘I am a little concerned about getting rid of the ramps in favour of lifts for accessibility as the frequency that lifts break in railway stations would make this really challenging for individuals unable to use stairs.’
‘I think there needs to be a cycle path along St Martin’s Road which can join up with the southern entrance.’
‘It would be really helpful to see a tourist point in or near this platform. It is such a missed opportunity currently.’
‘As I bike to and from work and it be great to have a secure cycle parking.’
A New Destination
Public Sentiment
How do you feel about the proposals for new Community Amenity?
What do you think about the viewing platform?
Excited:22%
Satisfied:30%
I don’t know: 19%
Dissatisfied: 7%
Dissapointed:22%
‘Unfortunately, as well as the castle, people would be viewing Cardiff Road and all the shops with peeling paint.’
‘I feel you are being optimistic at what can be fitted into a small area. Dedicate enough space for the important elements, and don’t compromise by trying to be everything for everyone.’
‘I would love to see story boards and historic images of the town throughout the interchange design to create a feeling unique to Caerphilly.’
‘A cafe selling local products (e.g. Caerphilly cheese) would also enhance the tourist experience and would provide a nice place for regular users to stop at/wait in.’
‘Views are very restricted so not worth it, better use for outside eating/ drinking for cafe/ pub/ restaurant.’
The Interchange and The Environment
Public Sentiment
How do you feel about the proposals for sustainable design at the interchange?
‘Increase green corridors developing safe routes to and from the station on all points of the compass ensure secure monitored bike storage ensure changing facilities and general bike maintenance station’.
‘I can see 8 trees from my front window, they are approaching maturity, please don’t cut them down.’
‘Having electric charging for all transports: bicycles, buses, and taxis is an absolutely breakthrough. Charging up bike, will promote the health and well-being to everyone.’
‘It all sounds very eco friendly and sustainable - fab! But will it work?’
‘Increase active travel and active travel networks in Caerphilly reduce carbon usage in Caerphilly reduce emissions in town and areas which particularly suffer such as White Street reduce traffic congestion in town.’
The Existing Bridges & Old Ticket Office Building
Public Sentiment
How do you feel about the replacement of the buildings and bridges?
Creating a modern new facility to last long into the future is more important: 11%
Appreciate the buildings but understand the need for them to be replaced: 43%
I don’t have a strong view either way: 3%
They are part of Caerphilly’s history and should be kept: 43%
‘Having first felt the history was overridingly important, on further examination of the whole scheme, the benefits of the new building warrant the removal of the old building.’
‘Feel strongly they should be kept. Could you rebuild the ticket office once the new bridge was in place?’
‘Whilst I can see that the building is old I’m afraid I don’t see it as an important structure of any historical value.’
‘It is important to have a safe building and bridge. Weight limits and rusting struts do not appear to be very safe.’
‘I agree it doesn’t meet modern building standards, however efforts must be made to maintain the heritage of Caerphilly, of which the architectural style of the station is a strong example.’
