Work to build new Waterbeach rail station gets underway
The station's set to open in two years' time
Villagers are being told not to panic as work to build a new train station in Waterbeach gets underway.
The first spades have been put in the ground to replace the current station, around one and a half miles away, amid fears of leaving some local residents isolated.
"We're empathetic to the concerns of existing residents who may have to travel a little further, but many of the houses in Waterbeach are as close to this station as they are to the other," Councillor Brian Milnes, chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), said.
South Cambridgeshire District Council approved up to 4,500 homes as part of the Waterbeach New Town development in 2024, under the condition that no houses are to be built until a new station opens.
The station is planned to open in summer 2028, and the GCP has said no closure will take place until the new station is open.
'Inconvenience'
Dr James Dennison, a Waterbeach resident and parish councillor, said the new location will force people to drive there, calling it a “massive inconvenience”.
A survey of residents produced by Dr Dennison found that rail usage could fall by 50 per cent whilst car usage will rise, which could lead to traffic congestion and an increase in emissions.
"The timing isn't going to be problematic because there would need to be a decision to decommission that existing station," Cllr Milnes said.
"We're very keen on making it (the station) easily accessible for residents in Waterbeach."
What is included in the new station plans?
The move - funded by the GCP and Homes England - aims to include wider platforms, 100 cycle spaces, electric vehicle charging points and walking, cycling and bus facilities.
The station is also set to have an accessible footbridge and lifts, alongside a new car park and space for a café.
It is all part of transport improvements being delivered in Waterbeach by the GCP, including the new travel hub, busway and Waterbeach Greenway.
"When I was on the planning committee, we were determined to establish a sustainable way in and out of Cambridge city centre so people will be able to use this station as quick access," Cllr Milnes added.
"Together we’re providing sustainable and convenient ways for people to travel, not only in Waterbeach, but across Greater Cambridge.”
The Department for Transport (DfT) is due to lead a consultation process on whether to close the existing station or not.
"Any closure is subject to the statutory process under the Railways Act 2005, including public consultation, and it is intended that this would be concluded before the new station opens," a DfT spokesperson said.
They said despite no closure taking place until a new station opens, Network Rail - which leads on the station's infrastructure - would weigh the costs and benefits of keeping the station open before submitting a proposal to the transport secretary for a final decision to be made.
The GCP said the current Waterbeach rail station will stay open until the new site is ready.