Why I am campaigning to secure Cambridge South station
I have been campaigning hard for significant investment in infrastructure across the constituency, making the case to the Treasury, Number 10, and the Department for Transport. Cambridge South station was the first of several successful bids, with funding I was able to secure as part of my very first Budget as an MP.
It is wonderful news for residents in South Cambridgeshire who can now be assured of a rapid and reliable transport link into Cambridge. Cambridge South station will provide far better access to vital medical services and reduce the need for car journeys to and from the campus, combatting the congestion we face on local roads. Commuters have been crying out for this and now they will get it.'
This government is committed to funding major improvements to our local and national infrastructure. Together with several of my campaigns, including a change to the Foxton Level Crossing, funding for Cambridge to Haverhill Rail, and new stations at Harston and Sawston, the future of our region's railways is bright.
What is Cambridge South station?
Cambridge South station is a planned railway station located in the southern part of Cambridge. It will be built to serve the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, situated adjacent to Addenbrooke's Hospital, linking to the Cambridge line and West Anglia Main Line. It is planned to open in 2025
More information on the project can be found on the Network Rail website here.
So far, I have
- Petitioned the Chancellor for full funding of the project, which was announced as part of the 2020 Budget.
- Written to the Department of Transport, and met with the Secretary of State to discuss the project.
- Met with Network Rail to secure updates on the project.
- Invited Minister for Rail to visit the site and offer assurances.
- Visited the site and held a campaign event on-site.
- Convened a meeting of all local transport authorities at Cambridge Biomedical Campus to discuss transport solutions including Cambridge South.
- Toured the site with members of the East West Rail Company, DfT officials, with the chance for local representatives to engage with the visitors.
- Spoke to local representatives, including City Councillors, as well as engaged with local residents.
Campaign success
On 11 March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed full funding of Cambridgeshire South Station following my lobbying efforts. Since then, Network Rail has determined the preferred site and discussions are ongoing around planning consent. The project is still on track to be completed by 2025.