Better connections between Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay, more year-round activity and earlier information to help businesses plan for major events are among the priorities in a new report from FOR Cardiff, the city’s Business Improvement District.
The findings follow an action planning workshop on 11 September that brought together businesses and civic partners, including DEPOT, Morgan Quarter, St David’s Dewi Sant, Tiger Yard, Techniquest and Utilita Arena, alongside education providers and South Wales Police. The workshop is helping shape the BID’s third term, which will run from December 2026 to 2031.
Improving the link between the two areas was among the strongest themes, with participants calling for clearer signage, more attractive walking routes and better transport. City centre discussions focused on congestion and major-event pressures, while Cardiff Bay stakeholders emphasised seasonal footfall and reasons to visit through the year. Across both areas, businesses wanted earlier information on events, road closures, transport and expected visitor numbers.
FOR Cardiff’s Cleansing Team completed 168 jobs between December 2025 and October 2026, cleansing 95,715 metres of streets and removing 806 graffiti tags and 506 pieces of chewing gum. The BID also has 320 CityNet radios in use alongside its Taxi Marshall service.
Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff, said: “The strength of this workshop was in the openness, ambition and willingness to collaborate around the table. There was a clear recognition of what makes Cardiff special, alongside honest conversations about the practical issues that affect businesses, residents and visitors.
“Our third term offers a real opportunity to bring businesses across the city centre and Cardiff Bay closer together. Better connections are a shared priority, but the report also makes clear that different communities and businesses need different approaches.
“Our focus now is on turning that insight into meaningful action: building on the services and partnerships already in place, strengthening connections between the city centre and the Bay, and ensuring the voice of businesses helps shape the future of our capital.”
FOR Cardiff’s BID area expands to include Cardiff Bay on 1 December 2026 after a renewal ballot result announced on 3 July 2026, with 92% support by number of votes and 97% by rateable value. The third term runs to 30 November 2031 with projected investment of £12.78 million over five years. Workshop findings will inform first-year action plans from 1 December 2026.
