The government has awarded us a grant of £2.219 million for the development of an integrated transport hub at Flitwick Rail Station.

We've worked closely with our partners at both Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR) to develop proposals that will radically improve how the station functions. These include:

• a fully redeveloped station forecourt with new pedestrian, cycle and vehicle access
• new passenger drop-off and dedicated taxi areas
• a public transport interchange with three bus stops, passenger waiting areas, including real time departure information
• improvements to Steppingley Road, including vehicle access to both the station and Tesco opposite
• dedicated facilities for Center Parcs Woburn passenger collection and drop-off

The grant is the result of our collaboration with the South East Midlands Local Economic Partnership (SEMLEP) and has been awarded as part of the government’s new Getting Building Fund. The funding will be added to our existing investment in this scheme which, combined, will total in excess of £4 million.

The scheme will form the basis of a planning application, which is due to be submitted by the end of August. Construction of the hub is scheduled to be complete by March 2022.

Councillor Ian Dalgarno, our Executive Member for Community Services, said:

The integrated transport hub will make joined up public transport simpler, easier and a much more pleasant experience and the scheme also aims to encourage more cycling to the station with safe and secure cycle racks.

More broadly it will help support the town centre economy as part of the economic recovery from COVID-19.

The improvements will also help to simplify and allow further regeneration of the station area. The hub will be an essential part of the future town centre in at Flitwick, helping to diversify and strengthen the town centre at a time of considerable change.

SEMLEP Chief Executive, Hilary Chipping, added:

The Flitwick scheme further improves connectivity and will assist achieving sustainable growth as well as providing jobs as we strive to recover economically from this pandemic.

Angie Palmer, Head of Stations for Thameslink and Great Northern, said:

On behalf of our Flitwick passengers we welcome this funding announcement wholeheartedly. We are delighted to continue working with Central Bedfordshire Council and Network Rail to transform passengers’ experience at the station. 

Network Rail Investment Director Paul McKeown said:

We are delighted with the announcement today. It is going to help deliver a project to greatly improve the experience passengers have when they use Flitwick station. 
 
Our railways have a crucial part to play as we look to support the economic recovery from COVID-19. We look forward to continuing to work with both Central Bedfordshire Council, SEMLEP and GTR to bring about these exciting improvements.

The hub will be delivered in partnership and fully co-ordinated with Network Rail and GTR. This will include linking to the Access for All programme, which will deliver full, step free, access to platforms as part of a future phase of works. Both schemes together will provide a fully accessible and transformed transport hub.