CSET Phase 2 and Foxton Travel Hub update

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) is facing tough decisions in the face of inflation levels.

With the cost of construction materials up by over 40 percent, the GCP has been re-evaluating its programme as the total programme costs rise beyond levels of its government grant and other income.

The GCP has been analysing the impact of rising inflation and growing construction costs to understand their impact on transport schemes. This is a national issue with many examples across the country of infrastructure schemes being dialled back or paused as a result of staggering levels of inflation.

To respond to these national issues, in a report to this week’s Executive Board, members will be presented with analysis that shows the impact of inflation on the GCP’s programme which shows costs have increased by 20% – 30%.

As a result, members will be asked to consider the GCP’s Future Investment Strategy and whether Phase two of the Cambridge South East Transport project – a new dedicated busway, travel hub and active travel route connecting Cambridge with communities to the south-east of the city – should be paused.

The GCP will continue to deliver its planned improvements along the A1307 as part of Phase one.

The same paper also asks Executive Board members to consider whether the Foxton Travel Hub project should be paused. If members take the decision to pause the projects the GCP would develop them to a point where they are ‘planning ready’ whilst we seek alternative sources of funding to enable them to be delivered in future.

The Executive Board meeting is due to take place on Thursday, 28 September and papers for the meeting are available at Council and committee meetings - Cambridgeshire County Council > Meetings (cmis.uk.com)