Cambridge East Station Plan Advances Amid Local Concerns

Plans for a new railway station in Cambridge are progressing, despite local residents expressing concerns about its proposed location. The East West Railway Company (EWR Co) aims to enhance transport options in the region, especially as the opening of the Cambridge South station has been postponed until June 2026.

The proposed station would be situated near the soon-to-be-decommissioned Cambridge Airport, contingent on securing third-party funding. A spokesperson for EWR Co stated that this development would stimulate economic growth and provide a vital connection to the wider region via an upgraded Newmarket Line, extending links to Felixstowe and Ipswich.

In addition to the new station, EWR Co plans to create a new eastern entrance at the existing Cambridge Station. This upgrade is anticipated to significantly improve the passenger experience and enhance connectivity to the Clifton Road area and surrounding amenities. Proposed features include new facilities, an active travel hub, and improved walking and cycling paths.

The site for the new station was initially proposed at Cambourne but has since been relocated to the north-east of the A428/Cambourne Road roundabout. EWR Co CEO David Hughes emphasized that this new location is closer to the town center and main roads, presenting fewer environmental constraints. He noted, “These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities and designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for Cambridge and the wider region.”

Despite the potential benefits, local residents have voiced their opinions on the station’s location. One commenter, under the username Dragon32, argued that the proposed site is too close to the main station, suggesting that it would be faster for people to walk into the city center instead of using the train. Another resident, Nickstibbs, expressed that while he supports additional stations, the current proposed site lacks strategic impact compared to alternatives such as Cherry Hinton or Fulbourn.

Nickstibbs advocated for a station near the business park adjacent to David Lloyd’s gym, which already has ample parking space. He mentioned, “I hope to see the first Cambridge East station open by 2030, or at least for the plans to be finalized by then.” His input reflects a broader concern about ensuring the new station meets the needs of local residents and businesses.

Other community members echoed similar sentiments. User Belchyscrumpet cautioned against the potential confusion that multiple stations could create, while Borislava Petkova remarked that the proposed site does not adequately serve nearby business parks or residential areas. “People will still use their cars to reach these places,” Petkova stated.

Critics of the plan, like Joe Carter, questioned the station’s utility. “I’m really trying to imagine who would use this,” he said, suggesting that proximity to major roads is vital for a station’s success. In contrast, Andrew Webb indicated that the station might cater to new developments expected after the airport’s closure.

The conversation surrounding the Cambridge East station highlights the tension between infrastructure development and community needs. As EWR Co moves forward with its plans, it remains to be seen how the feedback from residents will shape the final proposal.

The ongoing discussion about the station underscores a critical moment for Cambridge’s transport landscape, with stakeholders eager to balance improvement with accessibility.