A Transport and Works Act Order application has been submitted by Network Rail to receive planning permission to build the new station at Cambridge South.
2020 saw two consultation events held to select the location for the new station and receive feedback on the facilities at the new station.
The new station would connect the Cambridge Biomedical Campus with Central London, London Stansted Airport, Ely, Birmingham and Europe if passengers travelled via London St Pancras.
The application includes the provision for a new two-storey, four platform station, which will include:
- a ticket office
- ticket vending machines (TVMs)
- lifts to provide step-free access
- accessible toilets, baby change facilities, waiting area and space for retail/catering
- access for pedestrians and cyclists from both sides of the railway with capacity for a 1000 cycle parking spaces
- modification to roads and crossings to facilitate access to the station
The application also details the changes to the rail infrastructure needed for the new station, including:
- Track layout remodelling
- Two additional track loops
- Enhancements for Shepreth Branch Junction
- Modifications to the railway to the south of Cambridge station
- Overhead electrification work
- Modifications to signalling equipment
- Close two private level crossing.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: ‘This application marks a major milestone in the development of a new station for the southern fringe of Cambridge and takes us a step toward realising the benefits that this station will bring for the biomedical campus and wider community. I am really proud of the team for the hard work they have done working in collaboration with our partners to reach this stage of the development for Cambridge South.’
Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “I know from experience how important it is to improve transport links to hospitals and healthcare, while the economic future of the UK depends on the success of the industries Cambridge South Station will help to support with its better connections.
“I want the Combined Authority to carry on championing not only this important project, but also the wider transport improvements that will be needed to get the full value out of it, and to support well-planned development of the Biomedical Campus and the Greater Cambridge economy so they can bring new jobs and new skills for local people.”
Cllr Neil Gough, Vice-Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board, said: “I welcome this important next stop on the journey to delivering Cambridge South station, which will help to unlock the full potential of the Greater Cambridge economy.
“Cambridge South will link in with other schemes being delivered by the GCP to transform how thousands of people travel in and around the city and the key employment sites every day, helping to cut congestion on our roads, improve air quality and help tackle climate change.”
Dr Andy Williams, Vice President Cambridge Strategy, AstraZeneca: “Another important milestone has been reached in the development and delivery of the Cambridge South station. The TWAO submission represents a significant step towards the future provision of easier and environmentally sustainable ways for thousands of patients, visitors and employees to reach the Cambridge Biomedical Campus each day. We believe Cambridge South will bring significant benefits to the life science sector and the city, and we will continue to work with Network Rail and other stakeholders to help deliver the station.”
As part of the application process is the opportunity for people to submit objections to the application. The objection period for Cambridge South will close on Monday 2nd August 2021.
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Responses
I think a new station south of Cambridge is a good idea. Because it will have links to Addenbrooks Hospital and Papworth Hospital. Plus with P&R facility. With the pretential of East-West Rail line that would serve Cambridge South once the EWRL Central core (Bedford-Cambridge section via Cambourne or via Sandy) is completed. Or will the EWRL miss Cambridge South to the north and to terminate at Cambridge instead.