New Waterbeach train station delayed until 2027

The relocation of Waterbeach railway station has been delayed until 2027.

Plans to build the station were approved back in 2020, which is due to be built closer to the Waterbeach New Town development, where 11,000 homes are being built.

A condition was put in place that the new station needed to be built before the second phase of 4,500 homes could go ahead.

In 2022, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) agreed to take on the project, after the developer failed to get a commercial funding agreement for the scheme.

£43.35million of funding is now in place and Star understands plans are moving forward with finding a builder to carry out the construction work.

The GCP had originally said the station would be built by the end of 2025, but this timeline has now slipped to 2027.

Waterbeach Station relocation timeline:

• January 2020 – Planning permission granted for relocated Waterbeach Railway Station.
• January 2021 – South Cambridgeshire District Council approves outline application for 4,500 homes as part of the Waterbeach New Town development. However, a condition is made that a new station needs to be built.
• June 9, 2022 – GCP proposes to take on the project after the developer is unable to make a commercial deal to build the new station.
• June 30, 2022 – The GCP agrees to take on the project and the risks associated with it.
• February 2023 – Certificate of lawfulness application made to confirm work on the station has technically started to make sure the planning permission for the station does not expire.
• January 2024 – GCP executive board hears work has faced delays, but station still forecast to be built by the end of 2025.
• February 2024 – GCP papers state forecast finish for the station is now 2026.
• October 2024 – Finish date now forecast to be 2027. Concerns are also raised about potential lack of basic facilities at the new station. Homes England also agrees to provide funding towards the project.
• November 2024 – GCP executive board agrees to move forward and find a builder now the £43.35million of funding is in place.