Plans have been revealed for a permanent car park with around 900 spaces at Cardiff International Sports Village, designed to support the area’s growing number of sports, leisure and waterfront attractions.
The proposals, set out in a report due to be considered by Cardiff Council later this month, form part of the next phase of regeneration at the International Sports Village site in Cardiff Bay.
At the heart of the plan is the development of a long-term parking solution capable of serving the major venues located there, including Cardiff International Pool, Cardiff International White Water, and Vindico Arena.
New Car Park Could Be Built on Former Toys R Us Site
The council has a planning obligation to provide parking to support the sports village, with a minimum requirement of around 900 spaces.
The report recommends that the best long-term location for the new surface car park would be the former Toys R Us site, which has enough capacity to deliver up to 1,000 spaces if needed.
Importantly, the proposal would allow the car park to be developed without demolishing the existing Toys R Us building, while still offering strong access to the surrounding sports and leisure venues.
Improving pedestrian connections across the area is also part of the plan, helping visitors move more easily between the attractions.
Renewable Energy and EV Charging Included
The proposed car park would also include a strong sustainability element.
Rather than being funded directly by the council, the facility could be delivered through investment from a private sector energy developer. In return for funding the construction, the developer would be granted rights to generate energy on the site.
That could include:
- Solar canopies above parking spaces
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Small “aero-mine” wind turbines
These systems would generate renewable energy while also supporting the growing number of electric vehicles visiting the area.
Current Pool Car Park Set to Be Redeveloped
The need for a new car park comes as planning permission has already been granted for residential development on the current International Pool car park.
Construction on that project is expected to begin in late 2026, meaning the existing parking provision will need to move before work begins.
The new site would provide a permanent replacement that meets the planning requirements for the sports village.
Parking Charges Already Introduced
In 2025 the council introduced parking charges across the International Sports Village to align with parking policies elsewhere in Cardiff.
However, following consultation with sports users, a two-hour free parking period was introduced to support people visiting the leisure facilities.
The council is also exploring season ticket options for sports clubs that regularly use the venues for training and competitions.
Space for New Public Green Areas
Relocating the car park to the former Toys R Us site could also unlock new opportunities elsewhere in the development.
A 2.5-acre parcel of land between the ice arena and the waterfront, previously held as a fallback parking location, could now be used for public open space and amenity development.
This would help improve the overall environment of the waterfront site and create more green space for visitors.
Decision Expected in March
The proposals will be discussed by Cardiff Council’s Cabinet on 19 March 2026, following scrutiny by the Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee earlier in the week.
If approved, the new car park could play a key role in supporting the next stage of development at Cardiff International Sports Village, helping manage visitor numbers while opening the door for further regeneration around the waterfront.
