Grubby Cardiff Central Square under fire as locals plead 'plant some trees!'

Wales Online readers have joined with a local Cardiff resident who has described Central Square in Cardiff as a 'grubby and bland' first impression for visitors arriving into the city early on Monday morning. The area, which sits outside Cardiff Central station and the main bus interchange, is often the first view of the Welsh capital for commuters and tourists. It also lies close to the Principality Stadium, where it becomes a busy hub on event days. However, on a recent Monday morning, one pensioner said the condition of the square gave a poor impression, pointing to dirty paving, litter, graffiti, discarded items and temporary barriers left in place. He said the area needed to be better maintained so it reflects the city more positively. Another resident described the scene as 'really sad', saying it did not represent a good welcome to Cardiff. A Cardiff Council spokesperson said Central Square is cleaned daily, but a breakdown of a specialist cleaning vehicle meant deep cleaning had not taken place for several days. A replacement machine has since been brought in to address the issue. The council also highlighted the importance of the space as a major transport and event hub, saying it must balance cleanliness with its role in managing large crowds and public safety around the station and nearby buildings. Commenter Msna says: “I think the whole of Cardiff is something to be ashamed of. Litter everywhere, fly tipping everywhere. No matter how you come into Cardiff, car, bus or train, it's a show up. People do not appear to be proud of our once beautiful city and throw litter anywhere and everywhere and expect the Council (who are hard pressed in money and staff) to clean up after them. HAVE SOME PRIDE PEOPLE!” Tobart agrees: “They had a wonderful opportunity to create a first impression gateway for visitors as they exit the train station into what is the capital of Wales, but what we have is a hideous, bland, grotesque 80's Moscow impression. You can hardly even see the Principality stadium, and did the BBC really have to have that awful headquarters in the City centre? Waterfalls, gardens and more ‘Welcome to Wales’ features. It totally lacks imagination and is an embarrassment.” Tony S suggests: “Do what they do in Europe, wash it down early in the morning. Have statues of famous Welsh icons. Fly Welsh flags everywhere. Bring back street cleaners.” Made for Wales asks: “A question, some people may even laugh, but anyway... Can we gather in a group and do some cleaning together? I know we pay out council tax, but why not do something for all of us?” Deb G agrees: “I would gladly help with cleaning up. Great idea!” Maggie P thinks: “The bins should be emptied far more often. I’ve never ever seen anyone cleaning streets or them being washed down, and don’t get me started on the pavements.” Matt H says: “Plant some trees. Create more full time street cleaning and maintenance jobs. If people saw the city clean and well kept, it would install a sense of pride in people to look after their environment.” Sydney L agrees: “Grey modernist architecture in a country where the weather is also mostly grey was an interesting choice.” Darren J adds: “It looks unfinished. Why not have a water feature and some trees? That might give it a more calming feeling, and people might want to enjoy this rather than what's going on there now.” Abigail P believes: “It’s ridiculous Cardiff is even talking about a £1.30 overnight visitor levy from 2027. Charging people to stay while the city centre looks like this in places, with litter everywhere, drug use on the streets and basic standards slipping, just feels completely backwards. Sort the basics out first. Clean the place up, deal with safety and antisocial behaviour, then maybe think about charging visitors extra. Right now, it just comes across as tone deaf.” J.J. doesn’t agree: “I was there twice this winter. I’m Welsh but don’t live in Diff. I thought it looked perfectly acceptable. Tell me a train station anywhere that’s better?” Gerrard W replies: “Have a look at Belfast Grand Central station, which springs to mind as being built in the last 10 years, and there’s been development around it, as there has been with Central Square. Belfast Grand Central opened in autumn 2024. There are a great many other old, impressive looking stations around.” Sean J writes: I don’t think the council is the main issue or that they’re not putting effort in. You can see people out cleaning the area most mornings, so work is definitely being done. The bigger problem is the lack of police presence to deal with antisocial behaviour. Without proper enforcement, some people just carry on doing what they want, and that’s when areas start to deteriorate. It doesn’t happen overnight either, but if you walk around in the daytime, you can see why it ends up looking the way it does.” Do you think Cardiff should be doing more to keep Central Square clean and presentable, given it’s one of the first things visitors see when they arrive? Have your say in our comments section.