Plans for East West Rail will create more than 100 jobs in Bletchley and position Milton Keynes at the centre of a renewed push to unlock growth across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.
A new train maintenance depot, confirmed for Bletchley West, is expected to support the operation of services along the route while providing a direct employment boost to the local economy. The site, near Whaddon Road, has been identified as the preferred option, although final designs are still under consideration.
The announcement forms part of a wider consultation on the railway’s next phase, with proposals including more frequent services, longer trains and upgrades to key stations in Milton Keynes and Bletchley.
David Hughes, chief executive of East West Railway Company, said: “These updated proposals mark a major step forward for East West Rail to help ensure communities see the benefits of the project sooner as we finalise the design. More frequent and higher-capacity trains coupled a new entrance at Bletchley station and new stations along the Marston Vale Line will help unlock housing, support new jobs and attract investment.”
At Bletchley station, plans for a new eastern entrance aim to improve access to the town centre and establish the site as a major interchange. However, the scheme remains contingent on securing third-party funding, meaning no delivery timeline has been confirmed.
Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, said: “I am really pleased to see Bletchley Eastern Entrance included in EWR’s proposals in this consultation. As the new visuals show even clearer, a new entrance would have a transformational impact on the town centre.”
Further capacity increases are also planned at Milton Keynes Central, where platform extensions would allow longer trains to operate. East West Rail says it is preparing for rising demand, driven in part by the proposed Universal resort near Bedford, although the scale and timing of that demand remains uncertain.
Peter Hendy, Rail Minister, said: “East West Rail will unlock the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, providing greater connectivity across the region and delivering on our mission to drive economic growth, jobs and homes.”
The company is also proposing to accelerate delivery by opening sections of the railway in phases, rather than waiting for the entire route to be completed. Supporters argue this could bring forward investment and development opportunities, but progress will depend on planning approval and funding.
David Hughes, chief executive of East West Railway Company, added: “By bringing forward key elements of the railway and planning for increased demand, we are helping to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support future growth and opportunities for our communities.”
The consultation runs until June, ahead of a planned application for development consent in 2027.
Image: CGI showing the proposed redevelopment of Bletchley station, including a new eastern entrance and improved interchange facilities under East West Rail plans
