Today, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), together with Spencer Rail Engineering, celebrated the start of construction on the new Waterbeach railway station.
GCP Chair, Cllr Brian Milnes, officially turned the first spade in the ground, marking a major step forward for the project, which is expected to finish construction in 2028.
Jointly funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership and Homes England, the new station will have better facilities such as:
- wider platforms
- an accessible footbridge and lifts
- 100 cycle spaces
- electric vehicle charging points
- integrated walking, cycling, and bus facilities
The GCP is also proposing to enhance the station design with a waiting room and toilets in the new station car park, plus dedicated space for a café.
The new station will be part of a package of transport improvements being delivered in Waterbeach, including the new travel hub, busway and Waterbeach Greenway.
GCP Chair Cllr Brian Milnes said:
“We’re making good progress delivering a new station for Waterbeach, which has unlocked planning permission for 4,500 new homes.
This is about more than a station, we’re delivering a whole package of transport projects in Waterbeach: a new travel hub with park and ride facilities, a new busway and the Waterbeach Greenway. Together we’re providing sustainable and convenient ways for people to travel, not only in Waterbeach, but across Greater Cambridge.”
Justin Hopkins, Managing Director of Spencer Rail Engineering, said:
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Greater Cambridge Partnership to deliver the new Waterbeach station. Reaching this milestone has taken a great deal of hard work from everyone involved, and it’s a real moment to see spades in the ground.
“Our team brings extensive experience of delivering complex rail infrastructure, and we look forward to working with GCP and our partners to create a modern, accessible station. It will serve Waterbeach’s growing community for decades to come.”
The existing station will remain open until the new station is operational. The Department for Transport are leading the consultation process on the future of the current station.