Question 7
The Biddenham Society considers this to be outside of its remit and does not wish to comment.
No comment.
East-West Rail will make it easier for people, rather than goods, to reach Oxford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes more easily. If Bedford wants to capitalise on this strategic infrastructure development it will need to improve its education and training services at every level. This will then make it more likely that individuals will be sufficiently skilled to take advantage of opportunities in those high-tech and science-based industries which are attracted to (or ‘spun off’ from) some of the UK’s leading universities and technology centres.
Make sure the strategy on infra-structure is properly thought through. You've started one idea to build the east-west links south of the town but now you have to follow it through instead of starting again on the north of the town.
no view
If Bedford wishes to benefit from East/West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on resident’s quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside.
A parkway station north of Bedford would be a huge benefit to local residents capturing the benefits with access to employment in other regions of the Oxford Cambridge arc. Access to superfast broadband will be key for businesses and residents.
Ensure there are some fast non stopping trains at peak times. Have more and cheaper car parking at stations.
I question whether the previously assessed need for the East-West Rail link is still valid and suggest that this should be re-affirmed through further feasibility work rather than ploughing on using outdated assumptions.
Wherever the locations of new East West rail stations are decided gives the opportunity for development close to the station. This would bring similar benefits to the successful eastern developments in St. Neots (Loves Farm and Wintringham) that are so close to St. Neots station. They encourage walking and cycling and reduction in car use for those travelling to work by train. This gives residents the opportunity to travel by public transport (train) to work in Oxford or Cambridge, reducing car usage. Likewise residents from Oxford and Cambridge have greater opportunity to work in the Bedford area.
Think big instead of parochial
What studies have been carried out by SEMLEC to detemine the the best way to realise the economic benefits. I should not need to remind you the the East West railway presentation were cut short by the cronovirus problems
By making alterations to the A421 (already planned) we do not need a rail route!
extend existing rail links and housing closer to Bedford town, therefore reducing the need for car use
Extend existing rail links and housing closer Bedford town therefore reducing the need for car use.
Well, I actually work in Cambridge and travelling between Bedford and Cambridge is not pleasant. I would start concentrating on how Bedford can help Bedford and create our own identity rather than worrying about our bigger neighbours. Yes, we can create transport links but we don't want to be a commuter town because it's just seen as a cheaper place to live to commute to Cambridge, London or Oxford. 1 - Focus on helping developing the local Education establishments like Cranfield and Bedford Universities, the hospital, and provide land around these so people can start businesses. 2 - I'd like to see shared co-working spaces in local communities, more local cafes, especially with outdoor seating. This will help people who are working at home or self employed connect with their local community. 3 - I'd like to see a Science Park, like the one in Cambridge https://www.cambridgesciencepark.co.uk/ or Granta Park - Granta Park, where we can create high-value jobs which attract high salaries rather than distribution centres or incinerators as is the trend in Bedford. The offices don't have to be huge, maybe like the offices near Bedford Priory country park. The A421 corridor or just south of Bedford where the Audi Garage is would be ideal. We do have some distinctive businesses such as in Millbrook but these are quite specialist.
A possibility is for the Borough to undertake a longitudinal survey which quantifies the impact of great connectivity to the Borough in terms of opening up new possibilities for residents, increased building/site usage, creation of linked services, increased convenience for residents, improved funding and more sustainable transport links. This survey should be quantitative and qualitative and focus not just on outputs but outcomes and impact.
Bedford is unique in its diversity and multi-culturalism; this differentiates us from Oxford and Cambridge and provides a reason for inclusive businesses to make Bedford their preferred location.
Bedford is unique in its diversity and multi-culturalism; this differentiates us from Oxford and Cambridge and provides a reason for inclusive businesses to make Bedford their preferred location.
Wherever the locations of new East West rail stations are decided gives the opportunity for development close to the station. This would bring similar benefits to the successful eastern developments in St. Neots (Loves Farm and Wintringham) that are so close to St. Neots station. They encourage walking and cycling and reduction in car use for those travelling to work by train. This gives residents the opportunity to travel by public transport (train) to work in Oxford or Cambridge, reducing car usage. Likewise residents from Oxford and Cambridge have greater opportunity to work in the Bedford area.
Within the bedford area links to the station/s need to be improved to make full used o the East-West link. Although we need to encourage cycling and public transport there will be an inevitable demand for parking in the foreseeable future. Public transport itself may evolve too beyond traditional buses. Many people may be travelling only part of the week to work, if at all. If there is more homeworking people are willing to consider longer commutes. These may allow us to reconsider the viability of a wider range of sites.
There is a danger that Bedford will be seen as providing a "cheaper" housing alternative, with high density but potentially poor quality, to Oxford and Cambridge and that instead of capturing the economic benefits, many will simply commute to Oxford or Cambridge who will benefit. Bedford should position itself as a centre of excellence in its own right, in a complimentary way to its neighbours in Oxford and Cambridge. With imagination, the Town Centre could be reinvigorated as a third "hub", with redundant vacant retail space providing a mix of residential and high tech businesses.
Bedford would benefit from the development of East-West Rail via i) an improved interchange station at Bedford, with adequate access and parking and ii) a 'parkway' station outside the town (eg Wixhams) to relieve congestion in the town centre.
I do not believe that 'connectivity' to other economic centres, including Oxford and Cambridge, will improve with East-West Rail. What would improve connectivity is super-fest fibre-optic broadband, removing the need to build environmentally disasterous rail infrastructure.
If East/West Rail is ever to be realised it is essential that the chosen route is cost effective. The Preferred Option Route E will be very expensive and technically complicated to build and as a result the whole project will risk cancellation due to post COVID-19 cost cutting. A route following the old “Varsity Line” as closely as possible would be far more deliverable.
Build it in the right place i.e. at Wixams with proper north-south and east-west connectivity.
Any of the yellow, pink and orange approaches, all of which focus upon the A421 and east/ west rail corridor, could potentially secure benefits arising from this key element of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.
As previous develop a viable electric "Rail Car" system that can run on the existing rails and disused track bed.
No comment
We consider that it is essential to secure a positive economy in the Borough that we should look build upon the existing and specialist sectors present in the Borough. The Issues and Options document referred to the use of the former airship sheds at Cardington which are now used for major movie productions for amongst others Warner Brothers and Disney. The Local Plan should look at ways and means to secure and enhance this specialist sector and we would refer to the approach taken in South Northamptonshire/Aylesbury drawing upon its specialist precision engineering/motorsport from the area’s heritage with the Silverstone Racing Circuit. This has not only resulted in specialist companies developing in the area including the designation of an Enterprise Zone but also developing links with education with the establishment of the Silverstone University Technical College. The UTC specialises in High Performance Engineering and Business & Technical Events Management for 14- to 19-year-olds. We consider that a similar approach could be developed for the movie and media industry at Cardington. In addition, the attributes of Colworth Park could also be developed further to enhance the research and development activities at this location. The borough is also a focus of the national logistics industry, strategically placed for nationwide coverage and with good access to a working population. This sector should be supported and enhanced through the objectives of the Local Plan. We would conclude on this question by stating that a key objective for the new Local Plan should be to ensure that Bedford does not become a large dormitory for the high skill workforce commuting outside of the Borough, we should be seeking to ensure that residents both work and reside within the Borough.