- 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.
