Network Rail has revealed the preferred location for the new railway station at Cambridge South.

The location is in line with Option 1, which was presented to the public earlier in 2020.

The new proposed station is to be located adjacent to the Guided Busway and will provide a transport choice to patients and employees travelling to and from Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Out of the three options presented, 55% of those who submitted comments supported Option 1.

Network Rail will now continue with more design work, working with stakeholders and the Department for Transport, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the Greater Cambridge Partnership and AstraZeneca Ltd.

Credit: Network Rail

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “This is a significant step forward for the development of a new station serving Cambridge’s important biomedical campus and the southern fringe of the city. Selecting a preferred location will allow the development work to continue in more detail as we move towards a second round of public consultation later this year.”

“This project continues to show what we can do when we work closely with external partners to develop the railway to the benefit of local communities and businesses and I am excited to see this continue as we head into the next phase of development.”

James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “This is a very welcome step forward. Anything which brings this much-needed station closer is good news. This is the right place for commuters and we just need to see the pace kept up until the station is delivered and can start working for people.”

Cllr Aidan Van de Weyer, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board, said: “Cambridge South will help unlock the full potential of the Greater Cambridge economy, linking up with existing public transport and other planned schemes so thousands of people heading to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus will have a quick and sustainable alternative to the car that cuts road congestion and improves air quality.

“The Coronavirus will have a significant impact on our lives for some time but it is vital that we invest in better public transport, especially infrastructure such as this, that will help people get to work safely and quickly.”

Dr Andy Williams, Vice President Cambridge Programme & Strategy, AstraZeneca, said: “As the development of Cambridge South station continues to gather momentum, we are delighted that the preferred location for the station has now been confirmed. This latest progress represents a key step in the journey towards the future provision of easier ways for thousands of patients, visitors and employees to reach the Cambridge Biomedical Campus each day.”

“Not only will the station give people an alternative to the car, but we believe it will bring significant and sustainable benefits to the life science sector and the city. We will continue to work with Network Rail and other stakeholders to help deliver the station.”

Subject to gaining consent, station work could start on the station in 2023, with an opening target in 2025.