The government believes the new rail link between Oxford and Cambridge could boost the UK economy by up to £78bn by 2035
Business leaders are urging for quicker progress on building the new train route that will connect Oxford and Cambridge.
Multiple companies want the government to begin work on East West Rail (EWR) during this Parliament, aiming to make this corridor a standout hub for science and innovation in Europe.
The EWR project would link Oxford and Cambridge directly by rail, stopping at Milton Keynes and Bedford along the way.
Still, businesses worry because the development consent order (DCO) – which gives legal permission for construction – isn’t expected until 2027.
Trains already run between Oxford and Bicester, and there’s a government plan for trains between Bedford and Oxford by 2030.
But finishing the full line out to Cambridge will take quite a bit longer.
The report highlights how boosting growth along this “corridor” could really benefit Britain
The Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to speed things up when it comes to expanding infrastructure and housing in this so-called “high-tech corridor.”
This board includes 46 groups such as universities, public companies, plus big investors like Astra Zeneca, GSK, Airbus, Ellison Institute of Technology, Aveva, Bidwells, Leonardo, Silverstone and Darktrace.
They say starting construction during this five-year Parliament would give investors more confidence about what’s coming next.
But firms are worried it’ll take about 18 months just to get approval on that DCO application.
They want the government to speed up that approval process with clear deadlines so building can begin sooner rather than later.
The board has said before that this region could bring billions more into the economy.
Plans connecting Oxford & Cambridge are estimated by officials at adding as much as £78bn nationally by mid-next decade.
According To Department Of Travel Spokesperson : “East West Rail is more than a railway – it’s a catalyst for growth , more jobs , and opportunity , and this project will make rail travel faster and greener for millions of passengers. ”
They also said EWR Co – which runs delivery of this scheme – is exploring ways they might accelerate its rollout.
Source link
