Spencer Rail Engineering has begun design work on a new £28.5m railway station for Waterbeach, a key piece of infrastructure that will support one of Cambridgeshire’s fastest-growing communities.
Commissioned by the Greater Cambridge Partnership and jointly funded with Homes England, the project is central to the Waterbeach New Town development. The area is set to more than double in size, with up to 11,000 new homes planned and the first 4,500 already approved. As part of the planning conditions, a new station must be delivered on the Cambridge to Ely line to serve the expanded community.
The new station will replace the existing facility and provide modern, fully accessible infrastructure, including two wider platforms, lifts, an accessible footbridge and improved links to walking, cycling and bus routes. Spencer Rail Engineering will handle the full design and build, covering enabling works, M&E, platform construction, drainage, minor track work and OLE adjustments. Pre-cast components, piled foundations and steel canopies will be used to maximise efficiency and safety on site. A new 280-space car park will also be delivered.
Construction is due to begin in autumn 2026 and complete by 2028. The station is expected to encourage more rail travel and increase active travel journeys thanks to enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections, helping to ease pressure on local roads.
Senior Project Manager Matt Lee said: “Spencer Rail Engineering has a strong track record of delivering projects across all rail environments, including at stations, and we’re excited to get started on delivering this project, which is the key to unlocking further development and growth in this area. This project requires an excellent working relationship between ourselves, the Greater Cambridge Partnership and wider partners, and a strong collaborative approach, which is something we really pride ourselves on in everything we do.”
As part of an £11m social value plan, Spencer Rail Engineering will also support the local community through work placements, school engagement and the use of local suppliers.
Councillor Brian Milnes, chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership executive board, said: “The station will soon begin to take shape – it’s full steam ahead now. The Waterbeach package is not only providing sustainable transport options but unlocking new housing for local people.”
