Plans for a major upgrade to the East West Rail route have taken a significant step forward, with confirmation that a new station will be built to serve the proposed Universal Studios UK theme park in Bedfordshire. The station, earmarked for Stewartby, forms part of a wider package of design revisions made following extensive public consultation.

The update from East West Rail Company (EWR Co) outlines 80 design changes across the Oxford–Cambridge corridor, including a major redevelopment of Bedford railway station, alterations to the Marston Vale Line and accelerated proposals for a new station at Tempsford. The organisation said the revisions “directly influenced” by feedback aim to improve connectivity while minimising environmental and community disruption.

One of the most striking proposals affects the Marston Vale Line, where the number of stations between Bletchley and Bedford would fall from ten to four. New stations are planned at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont and Lidlington, with EWR Co arguing that many existing stops are among the least-used in the country and lack both accessibility and modern facilities.

With Universal Studios UK expected to generate major demand, up to five trains per hour would run at peak times. To support this, Stewartby station will be relocated north of Broadmead Road. EWR Co said the shift was required “to support sustainable travel to and from this international destination”.

Local education leaders have welcomed the prospect of improved rail provision. Mark Lehain, executive head teacher of Wootton Academy Trust, which oversees Kimberley Sixth Form College, said it “will bring bigger, more frequent and more reliable trains for everyone - which is brilliant for the college and the wider community, too”.

Bedford itself is set for a substantial transformation. The current station would be rebuilt as part of a “state-of-the-art transport hub,” complete with new platforms, a pedestrian plaza and a multi-storey car park positioned to reduce visual impact on nearby residents and free up land for development.

Work is also planned around Bedford St Johns, where the realigned station and tracks will sit entirely on existing railway land. EWR Co said it aims to avoid demolishing Ampthill Road and Cauldwell Street bridges, though further assessments are needed to determine whether they can remain in place as track levels are lowered.

Tempsford is another key focus, with the government wanting transport links in place early to support plans for a major new settlement expected to reach around 317,000 residents by 2040. The chosen rail alignment will run north of the Black Cat roundabout and serve both East West Rail and the East Coast Main Line. EWR Co said the preferred route was shorter, more cost-effective and less disruptive than alternatives.

David Hughes, chief executive officer of EWR Co, said:

"We're focused on improving connectivity where it matters most to provide better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment. We're also making sure this railway supports growth, offers better value for taxpayers, and creates modern, accessible stations for the future to deliver the sustainable transport link this region needs to thrive."

The next stage will involve further engagement sessions and formal consultation before a final application is submitted to government. The full programme is expected to cost between £5.1bn and £6.06bn.

Image: Chiltern Railways