BRTA Press Release 06 October 2026
British Regional Transport Association concern for wider rail linkages
to serve Brackmills Industrial Estate and that of the Universal Theme
Park from Northampton.
The BRTA concern is that the current WNCC travel plan may have missed
an important opportunity to secure Government support for assessing
the potential reopening of the Northampton-Bedford railway line. With
the proposed Universal Resort theme park expected to open in 2031,
significant Government investment is already being directed towards
transport infrastructure in the Bedford area. This presents a unique
opportunity to revisit a scheme that could deliver substantial
economic benefits to Northampton and the wider county.
At present, despite the two towns being only 23 miles apart, rail
journeys between Northampton and Bedford typically take between one
and three hours, often requiring multiple changes. By contrast, a 2014
feasibility study concluded that a reopened direct railway could
provide a journey time of approximately 27 minutes.
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A direct rail link would significantly improve access between
Northamptonshire and the Universal Resort development. It could help
residents access the estimated 26,000 jobs associated with the scheme,
while also encouraging visitors to use Northampton as a base for
overnight stays and onward travel.
There is also a wider strategic case. Concerns have been raised
regarding the ability of existing rail routes, particularly the
Midland Main Line and West Coast Main Line, to accommodate future
demand generated by the resort. A reopened Northampton-Bedford railway
could provide valuable additional capacity and resilience within the
regional transport network.
Given the national importance attached to the Universal Resort
project, BRTA believes there may be a compelling case for seeking
Government support for a detailed feasibility assessment of reopening
the line. Even a relatively modest investment in a fresh strategic
study could help determine whether this long-standing proposal has a
viable role to play in supporting economic growth across
Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.
BRTA would be very grateful for any support individuals,
professionals, businesses and the elected representatives along the
line can give and ideally join or affiliate to BRTA in support:
End
Further comment: Professor Andrew N. Williams BRTA Northampton Area
Rep: 07923 489254
The go ahead to block the rail route was given by a one vote majority, so very close. End of the B2N Campaign? We never say never, but it is against what we want, let's build BRTA to help save the day elsewhere where we may.
Thanks to all those who emailed in.
The planning committee at Bedford Borough Council meets tonight - please see the attached.
We have notified councillors and the media of our view. The lack of champions beyond BRTA is underwhelming sadly.
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We never say never here, but this is a critical development and set back.
The wider point is development is being pushed by governments of all tiers, but the rail infrastructure is not being provided and this defaults to more roads and carving up of land, more brownfield and more patterning spiralling up negatively. It is a far cry from sustainability agendas and that is bad for public health and well-being.
Wade in by all means, but we have done our best and will focus elsewhere unless we get a decision that relocates the proposal for this development elsewhere and supports the rail link as much in Bedford and Universals interest!
Join our free email loop/help get us more support, media interviews and members! ceo@brtarail.com
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