As Cambridge South consultation begins, are the plans for the station ambitious enough?

paul.brackley@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 13:53, 20 October 2020

| Updated: 13:55, 20 October 2020

Mayor James Palmer has voiced concerns that the proposals for the new Cambridge South station do not show it as an ‘interchange centre’.

He was speaking as Network Rail launched the second round of consultation on Monday.

How Cambridge South station could look, viewed from the east. Image: Network Rail

Running over six weeks to November 29, the consultation offers a chance to view proposals, discuss the plans with Network Rail representatives via a webchat, submit comments, or call a dedicated consultation phone line.

Mr Palmer, who leads Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, which is one of the funders of the new station, said: “I’ve written to Network Rail because it isn’t clear that the current Cambridge South proposal offers people the links and services they need.

“One big reason for the station is to serve the many thousands who’ll be commuting to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. And they will need services with frequent stops at a wide range of stations across the region.

“We’re building for a greener, cleaner future so this new station must integrate with all types of transport – bikes, e-scooters, footpaths, buses and coaches, and the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro. It must be able to flex for the development and growth of the surrounding area.

“I’m concerned that this interchange potential isn’t an obvious priority in the proposed design.”

But he welcomed the decision to accelerate the timetable for Cambridge South, which is now due to be delivered by 2025 - something he had pressed for from the start.

The northern site for Cambridge South station on Cambridge Biomedical Campus has been selected

“The central case for building this station is to wean us off our cars and on to a more people-centred public transport system. So I’m pleased that we’ll now see this station open in 2025, but I will continue to press Network Rail to make it a really useful hub that will link our county and change lives for the future,” said Mr Palmer.

The station is due to have:

• Four platforms with seating and shelter, and step-free access via a footbridge and lifts;

• A ticket office and ticket machines, along with automatic ticket gates;

• Facilities including a retail/catering unit, a waiting room and toilets;

• Blue badge parking; and

• Cycle parking.

Visit https://cambridgesouthconsultation.com /.

Location of new Cambridge South railway station on Biomedical Campus is revealed

Cambridge Politics South Cambridgeshire Traffic and Travel Paul Brackley