Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced today during a special visit to the County the money which will be used to provide the surrounding access facilities needed for the station.
The money will be spent on a range of measures, including cycle links such as along Cowley Road and those from Nuffield Road onto the Busway cycleway. The latter will create a new route from East Chesterton to Science Park and Cambridge Regional College avoiding the Golden Hind junction on Milton Road.
The money will also pay for the Busway route into the station from Milton Road. These measures are part of the overall station plans that have been through extensive public consultation and this money will allow their early delivery ahead of the main station works. The Council remains committed to delivery of the station in 2015 and these works are an important first step.
The interchange at the new station will provide access onto the wider public transport and highway network. It will enable travellers to switch between all modes of transport with access for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users, car drivers, passengers, and rail users. The interchange will be linked into the existing Busway, including the pedestrian and cycle provided by the maintenance track.
The funding announcement shows the commitment Government has in Cambridgeshire County Council’s current plans for the new station at Cambridge Science Park.
The Minister was visiting Cambridgeshire to sign a memorandum of understanding for the Greater Cambridge City Deal which will unlock a billion pounds of investment in transport, homes and skills.
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, said: “This is very welcome news and shows the Government’s joint commitment with us to deliver this vital station for Cambridge. Improving transport in this area will help the local economy and provide better links into Huntingdonshire, Fenland and the new Northstowe development. Bringing forward this scheme has been a key priority for Cambridgeshire County Council to help reduce congestion, boost the economy and keep Cambridgeshire moving.”
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