Bedford Midland station redevelopment concept design

Kilborn Consulting for Bedford BC, 2020-2021

Cadenza identified a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to release 4.5 Ha. Space in the heart of Bedford for development and improve operations for all Railway Operators using the station.

Bedford Borough Council (BBC) originally wanted to understand how Bedford Midland station could be better connected to the west of the station, particularly in the context of the forthcoming East West Rail.

Working through Kilborn Consulting, Cadenza spotted an opportunity to provide better access but also to go much further and create a much more transformative solution. By agreement with BBC, Cadenza developed a ‘Do minimum’ option and two other options that achieve the BBC’s aims, improve railway operations for the three major the train operating companies and unlock 4.5 Hectares (11 acres or 5.5 football pitches) of space for major redevelopment in the heart of Bedford.

The alternatives each triggered a £450m redevelopment of Bedford Station and £160m depot relocation to integrate East West Rail and improve accessibility between the station, town and new residential development.

The benefits of the alternatives were:

The release of major land in the heart of Bedford that could act as a catalyst for once-in-a-lifetime regeneration of the area for jobs, investment, and connectivity
Thameslink services would be able to operate moves between the depot and in-service operations saving up to 25 minutes each time
East Midlands Railway would have a new Up-Fast platform and could stop services without crossing / blocking the Slow lines
Freight services could pass through the station more efficiently
East West Rail would be better integrated with the rest of the station and avoid operational conflicts with Thameslink services
Network Rail System Operator would be able to meet the long-term local depot growth needs

The proposals are currently pending funding for further development.

Bedford BC: “The work has been completed at speed, proposed innovative solutions that had not previously been considered and has satisfied all stakeholders.

You came up with innovative ideas remarkably quickly; you know your business inside out; and are able to communicate your ideas with enthusiasm and clarity.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Cadenza as consultants who deliver high quality work to time and to budget; providing excellent advice based on a deep knowledge of the industry and its major stakeholders.”