Plans for a new rail station at “Cambridge Science Park” are on track after planners agreed the proposals on Wednesday (18/12). The new station will transform train travel to one of Cambridge’s main business areas, including the Science Park, St John’s Innovation Centre and the Cambridge Business Park as well as providing a very convenient station for Milton.
This key project will create a transport hub which joins up rail, bus services, cycling and pedestrian facilities.
The plans were recommended for approval at a meeting of Joint Development Control planning committee for the Cambridge Fringes.
The new station will be on the main line between Cambridge and Ely and is expected to be served by direct trains running to London Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Norwich and King’s Lynn. As well as connecting into the national rail network, trains may also be available to Stansted Airport and Birmingham.
The scheme will include:
- a new station building, platforms, and other rail infrastructure to be used by around 3,000 passengers a day
- the extension of the Busway from Milton Road to the station as well as linking to the new town of Northstowe
- public space, pedestrian and cycle access routes
- cycle parking for 1000 cycles
- a taxi drop-off and pick-up area
- a 450 space car park with disabled and short stay parking.
The station received huge support at public consultation with 90% of respondents supporting the proposal in principle. The new station building will have a green roof and use solar panels to generate electricity.
Only last week Deputy Prime Minister announced a £6 million grant to help deliver the planned transport links into the station.
The Council will now be able to move onto the construction phase of the project which is expected to open in December 2015.
