East West Rail joins our Milton Keynes forum this March

Image: courtesy of East West Rail

Future Cities Forum is welcoming back Will Gallagher, Strategy Director of East West Rail to our discussion event this March at Milton Keynes.

He will discuss the proposed development of Tempsford Station in the OxCam Growth Corridor and the siting of a new depot at Bletchley West, which the organisation is requesting views on from the community.

Last year at Future Cities Forum, Will spoke of the importance of connecting places along the OxCam Corridor. At the time, Chancellor Rachel Reeves' had made announcements on reviving the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor giving a strong focus to road and rail infrastructure.

She confirmed funding towards better transport links in the region including funding for East-West Rail, with new services between Oxford and Milton Keynes this year and upgrading the A428 to reduce journey times between Milton Keynes and Cambridge. She also spoke of support for the development of new and expanded communities in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and a new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford, to expand the region’s economy.

Will Gallagher, Director of Strategy for East West Rail commented:

'We must not forget that the thing that will make the growth corridor successful is the opportunity to combine all of the places in the Arc by connecting them up. We haven't done that yet and it is the only place in the UK to get that level of growth. Once achieved, it will have stronger regional effects exporting regional opportunities but you have to get this corridor right first. It will create journey times of 25 minutes to Cambridge and 45 minutes from Bletchley and Milton Keynes. Cambridge is currently constrained. It creates an opportunity for a place with its own identity and to become another player in the growth corridor.'

Meanwhile, Bletchley West has been confirmed at East West Rail's preferred location for a new Train Maintenance Depot (TMD) which will support the safe and reliable operation of services on East West Rail and is expected to create more than 100 full-time jobs.

East West Rail says:

'The proposed site alongside Whaddon Road, west of Bletchley and north of Newton Longville, will play a vital role in keeping the railway running efficiently. 

'A TMD is essential railway infrastructure. It is where trains are cleaned, inspected, maintained and stored, ensuring they remain safe, dependable and comfortable for passengers. 

'The Bletchley West TMD would include sidings capable of stabling up to 20 five-car trains, each around 120 metres long, alongside a modern maintenance workshop designed to service multiple trains at the same time. Facilities for heavier maintenance, train washing, traction power, staff accommodation, parking and a secure gatehouse are also proposed. 

Bletchley West, which was chosen following a detailed assessment of other locations, offers the best balance between operational efficiency and minimising environmental impacts.  

'We are committed to engaging with the local community and stakeholders on our preferred site as we continue to develop our proposals. We are now considering two design layouts, both incorporating landscaping to reduce visual impact and we will also deliver 10 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain.  

'Confirmation of Bletchley West follows the announcement of our Design Update Sessions, which includes two events in Bletchley where people can find out further details about the depot and talk to us about the plans. The event will also include the latest designs for the proposed eastern entrance at Bletchley station.  

'Construction of the depot will start following approval of a Development Consent Order application and is expected to take around three years, with measures in place to minimise disruption as much as possible. Final proposals are due to be submitted in 2027, with approval not anticipated until 2028.'