Railway firm, East West Railway, unveils proposals for Tempsford station development
The East West Rail (EWR) project, aimed at connecting Oxford and Cambridge, continues to make strides forward. The public consultation on the EWR concluded in January 2025, and feedback from this consultation is currently being analysed.
The chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has reiterated the government's support for the project, which is aimed at improving urban mobility, regional connectivity, and economic growth. The government's backing is a significant boost for the initiative, which aims to encourage investment along the UK government's 'growth corridor' between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.
The East West Railway Company (EWR) has plans to deliver a new station at Tempsford. The final design of the railway, including the location of the station at Tempsford, is still under consideration. However, the company has announced that the new Tempsford station is expected to be delivered up to five years earlier than originally planned.
David Hughes, CEO of EWR, stated that the project will unlock growth for the UK economy, supporting new jobs, affordable housing, and the region's life sciences cluster. This development is expected to be a significant boost to the local economy and the UK's life sciences sector.
The statutory consultation for the EWR project is scheduled to be held within the next 12 months. The public will have another opportunity to voice their opinions and provide feedback on the project's progress.
Meanwhile, the CiTTi Awards, which recognise and celebrate achievements and innovations in the rail sector, are gearing up for their fourth annual event. The awards will take place on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. More information about the CiTTi Awards can be found at www.cittiawards.co.uk.
It's worth noting that the Welsh 2025-2026 draft budget has allocated £651m to public transport, but this is not directly related to the East West Rail project. The Welsh budget focuses on improving public transport within Wales.
The final decision on the location of the Tempsford station by EWR is expected to be announced in late 2024 or early 2025. As the project progresses, the EWR company will continue to engage with the public and stakeholders, ensuring that the project remains a collaborative effort that benefits the wider community.
