New Wixhams station could open by 2024

FOLLOWING the submission of plans for a new station at Wixhams – a new town under construction south of Bedford since 2007 – a consultation period on the plans has now ended, and subject to necessary consents, it is expected construction will begin in 2023 with the station open in 2024.

Situated on the Midland Main Line between Bedford and Flitwick, Wixhams consists of four villages, each with its own centre, with around 4500 homes, warehouse distribution centres and a retirement village.

Key to the development plan is that all residents will live within 2km (1.24 miles) of the new station, therefore encouraging more sustainable travel patterns.

Situated between the MML and A6 road, the development was due to be completed in 2015, but continued wrangling over funding for the project has meant that the date has slipped.

There have also been suggestions the station should be situated further north and provide a connection to East West Rail, but that plan was dropped.

Prior to the recent consultation, a survey in 2021 indicated 73.9% of residents would use the station to commute, either into Bedford or elsewhere. Bedford Borough Council selected a preferred design for a twoplatform station which will serve the slow lines.