Graham is set to be officially signed as principal contractor to build the first phase of Cardiff’s long-planned Crossrail tram-train network linking the city centre with Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Council will ask cabinet members on 19 March to rubberstamp Graham’s appointment and finalise the contract value for the opening stage of the scheme.

This would allow construction to begin this summer.

The first phase of the project is backed by £100m in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The scheme will deliver a new tram link between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay via Callaghan Square.

The line is designed to improve connectivity between the city centre and the waterfront while supporting major regeneration projects including the new 16,500-seat indoor arena currently under construction at Atlantic Wharf.

Construction will involve installing the tram route through Callaghan Square, with significant traffic management required during the works.

Cllr Dan De’Ath, cabinet member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Climate Change, said: “Cardiff Crossrail is a bold and ambitious plan to deliver a new tram system for the city – one that will eventually stretch from the north west to the east, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station.

“With further investment, we aim to create a reliable, affordable cross-city tram service that links some of Cardiff’s most underserved communities to the rail network for the first time.

“It will play a key role in supporting major developments across the city, including the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Railway Station, the regeneration of Callaghan Square, and the new Arena and Atlantic Wharf development in Cardiff Bay.”