Cardiff’s Bold Green Leap: International Sports Village Revamp Could Propel City Toward 2030 Carbon Neutrality Goal

Cardiff Council has just released a detailed update on the future of the International Sports Village, outlining a bold and sustainable regeneration plan that promises to transform the area into a thriving, low-carbon hub for sport, leisure, and residential living.

The report, which will be presented to the Cabinet later this month, outlines a multi-phase strategy centred on delivering environmentally responsible housing, cutting-edge energy systems, and enhanced public facilities.

"The development of the International Sports Village offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-class waterfront community that delivers on our ambitions for a stronger, fairer, greener Cardiff," said Cllr Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment & Development.

"The development of a new heat recovery facility, with no capital costs to the Council, alongside the delivery of additional national grid capacity in the area, will safeguard the areas sports and leisure facilities against rising energy costs, as well as making a significant contribution towards our One Planet Cardiff commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Meanwhile, the much-needed homes being delivered by Orion will all be built to Passivhaus standards and be net zero in operation."

A key part of the transformation involves new homes. The Council is currently in discussions with Orion, which is seeking to partner with a green residential developer. The goal? To build high-quality homes that are both low in carbon and high in comfort.

In the first development phase, low-rise timber-framed houses will be constructed on the former Cardiff Pointe site. These homes will be insulated with natural materials and built to rigorous Passivhaus standards. Not only will they be net-zero in operation, but they’ll also be designed with long-term affordability and well-being in mind.

Another significant development is the creation of a new energy centre. Cardiff Council plans to launch a procurement process to deliver this facility without incurring any public capital expenditure.

The energy centre will cleverly capture waste heat generated during the ice-making process at the Ice Arena. That reclaimed energy will then be used to provide low-carbon heat to some of the Village’s major sites—including the Ice Arena itself, Cardiff International Pool, White Water Centre, and the new homes nearby.

To get this £15 million private sector project off the ground, the Council will lease land for the centre and secure heat commitments from the facilities that will benefit from it.

Plans also include a new primary substation to support increased electricity demand from future development. This would significantly expand the site’s National Grid capacity. As with the energy centre, the Council would lease a portion of land to enable the project.

While the ISV already has strong links to public transit and active travel routes, the Council acknowledges the need for parking, especially for event days. Car parking has now been relocated to the site of the old Toys R Us car park, which offers 600 spaces daily and an additional 700 spaces when significant events are held.

To manage accessibility, reduce congestion, and support the upkeep of the site, the report also outlines a new car park charging policy. It’s designed to be fair, flexible, and responsive to the needs of both regular visitors and those attending major events.