East West Rail agrees new solution for Cambridge Eastern Train Care Centre
· Fulbourn no longer being considered as possible location for a train care centre
· Collaborative industry working has found a better value solution that will benefit local communities and rail users
· Alternative location for train stabling and cleaning facilities will now be split between existing sites across the rail network
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has found an alternative to building a train care centre (TCC) in Fulbourn, South Cambridgeshire following extensive work with the rail industry to develop a different solution.
Fulbourn had previously been identified as a possible location for the facility to support the operation and maintenance of trains which will operate on the East West Rail route and the Newmarket line.
As EWR Co explained to the community when the proposal was first suggested earlier this year, it was also continuing to work with industry partners to explore alternative proposals. Following this work EWR Co has now confirmed that Cambridge Eastern TCC has been removed from its Development Consent Order (DCO) proposals.
The solution follows close working with Network Rail and train operators and is a good example of cross-industry collaboration as the sector progresses towards an integrated Great British Railways, which will be the public body responsible for passenger services and infrastructure. The revised proposal is set to offer better service improvements as well as being better value for money.
The confirmed approach is now to provide train care and stabling facilities at a combination of existing sites on the rail network elsewhere in the Eastern region, none of which are in Cambridgeshire. These facilities would be in place before works begin at Cambridge station.
Train operators that currently use the stabling and train care facilities at Cambridge station would use these additional facilities during construction of EWR - and continue to use them once EWR is operational. EWR would then take over the use of the existing facilities at Cambridge station.
The new solution is set to bring several benefits, including improving service reliability by providing train operators with facilities that are better located on the wider network; ensuring continued train care provision during the works at Cambridge station and for the future railway.
David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: “This is a significant step forward and has only been possible because the rail industry has worked together to find a better way of meeting our requirements for a Train Care Centre.
“We recognise the interest and concerns raised locally about the proposed Fulbourn site, which is why it was important to continue exploring alternatives while keeping the site in scope until we had sufficient confidence in an alternative solution.
“We are now confident that additional facilities at existing rail industry-owned sites can meet the needs of train operators during construction and once East West Rail is operational, whilst aiming to provide benefits for passengers and the wider railway industry.”
The new solution for a TCC - which is used to stable and clean passenger trains so they are ready for service each day - follows extensive assessment and engagement with Network Rail and train operators as well as the local community and councillors.
The creation of Great British Railways has enabled more opportunities to collaborate with regional train operators to explore alternative solutions.
The removal of the Fulbourn train care centre from the DCO proposals follows the completion of the necessary studies, assessments and governance processes.
EWR Co will continue to work with Network Rail, train operators and local stakeholders as it finalises its proposals for delivering East West Rail and the connectivity and economic benefits it can bring to Cambridge and the wider region.
Ends
Notes to Editors
· With the preferred location of the train maintenance depot near Bletchley towards the western end of the EWR route, a smaller train care centre is required towards the eastern end to reduce empty train mileage outside normal train service operating hours.
· A detailed options assessment for an EWR-only solution was carried out to identify the preferred site for the train care centre. After considering 52 potential sites for the location of the train care centre, Fulbourn was selected as the best performing location, considering EWR needs alone.
· EWR Co held briefings with ward and parish councillors, and attended parish council and community meetings as it worked alongside them on developing the original proposals. A dedicated consultation event was also held in Fulbourn. However, as EWR Co recognised the constraints associated with the site, work also continued with industry partners to explore whether train care requirements could be met differently.
· Several locations have been identified within the Eastern region that, when combined with others, gives sufficient confidence that alternative stabling capacity can be found for trains that will be displaced both during EWR Cambridge construction and once EWR is delivered and operational.
· The industry solution could improve service reliability as other operators’ passenger services could end and start service at locations that are better placed for them. Enabling EWR to use TCC facilities in Cambridge reduces empty train movements and makes sure the passenger trains are ready for service each day.
· The industry solution is set to be cheaper in capital spend. Reduction in empty train movements also reduces ongoing maintenance costs, resulting in overall benefit to the taxpayer.
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About the East West Rail Project
The East West Rail Project is a once in a generation opportunity to connect people and businesses between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge through a new direct rail line. It is a railway with community at its heart that will open up new journeys, cut travel times, and ease congestion on local roads. The route will connect people to the things and places that matter, bringing local benefit and sustainable growth by unlocking the social and economic potential of the area.
The East West Rail Project will be delivered in different phases. Network Rail was responsible for developing the first part of the first phase between Oxford and Milton Keynes, connecting Oxford with Bicester before the East West Rail Company (EWR Co) was set up. Between 2018 and 2024, EWR Co and Network Rail partnered in a construction alliance, East West Rail Alliance, to complete the infrastructure to Bletchley. Chiltern Railways has taken over as the operator of this section and are working to start passenger services as soon as possible.
To deliver the railway onwards from Bletchley to Bedford and Cambridge, a new railway needs to be constructed between Bedford and Cambridge, and associated works are needed between Oxford and Bedford to upgrade and refurbish the existing railway infrastructure. EWR Co proposes to make an application to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to permit the construction and operation of these works.
About the East West Railway Company
The East West Railway Company (EWR Co) is a non-departmental public body with limited company status set up by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2017 to deliver the East West Rail (EWR) Project.
The corridor, which runs from Oxford through Milton Keynes and Bedford to Cambridge, is an economic artery that makes the UK a global leader in life sciences, technology and innovation, with the potential to create jobs, drive growth and attract investment for the entire country. EWR Co’s ambition is to unlock the full potential of this region that is vital to keeping the UK globally competitive in a way that considers the environment and offers value for taxpayers.
East West Rail (EWR) will unlock access to jobs and space for businesses to grow, regenerate town centres, improve connectivity across the region and the rest of the UK, and support new affordable housing.