Flitwick Transport Interchange – improvements ahead
Wednesday, 10 November 2021
A new station forecourt, taxi and passenger drop off areas and dedicated facilities for Center Parcs Woburn visitors are all on their way at a new transport interchange in Flitwick.
Councillor Richard Wenham, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, led an official ground-breaking event today to mark work starting on Central Bedfordshire’s new £4.8 million development.
Representatives from South-East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway joined us for the ceremony at Flitwick train station.
Along with SEMLEP, which is contributing £2.2 million secured from the government’s Getting Building Fund, we're investing nearly £2.5 million into the project, alongside £167,000 in Section 106 developer contributions.
Left to right: Councillor Kevin Collins (Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration), Councillor Richard Wenham (Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council) and Marcel Coiffait (Chief Executive at Central Bedfordshire Council)
Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Councillor Richard Wenham, said:
I am delighted to see work getting started on this important scheme for Flitwick. We continue to invest in a range of important projects in communities across Central Bedfordshire and we are delivering on our vision to make our area a great place to live and work.
Our Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Kevin Collins, said:
Residents and commuters will benefit from far better transport links once the new transport interchange is built. The project is an important element of regeneration in the town centre, and I am excited to see the works progress.
Judith Barker, Director of Programmes and Governance, SEMLEP added:
The Flitwick Transport Interchange is a good example of sustainable development. Not only will the project create jobs, create new passenger facilities and regenerate the station area, it also increases sustainable and accessible transport options. The scheme will better enable over 170,000 trips to be made by foot, bike or bus rather than by car. As part of investment through the Getting Building Fund, the scheme enabling even greater connectivity and economic growth at the heart of the Oxford Cambridge Arc.
Works are set to be completed by March 2023.
Once the interchange is completed, Network Rail is developing proposals for step-free access to all platforms at Flitwick rail station. This scheme is due to be delivered by 2024 and will provide a new footbridge and lifts to all platforms. We continue to work closely with Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway to secure Access for All (AFA) funding from the Department for Transport.