Backing Growth in Cambridgeshire: Local MPs welcome investment in transport, housing, and infrastructure 

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are set to benefit from a major investment package aimed at boosting sustainable growth, improving transport links, and strengthening the region’s infrastructure.

The Government has unlocked £7.9bn of investment nationally to improve water infrastructure, including the construction of nine new reservoirs, such as the Fens Reservoir, which will help secure long-term water supply for our region. Funding has also been confirmed for better transport links, including East-West Rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and the upgrading of the A428, reducing journey times between Cambridge and Milton Keynes.

In addition, the announcement prioritises the development of new and expanded communities in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and includes backing for a new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford, which could cut down journey times between Peterborough and Cambridge. Plans for a new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, bringing together Cambridge University, Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Cancer Research UK, have also been confirmed.

The news follows a parliamentary reception hosted by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority earlier this week. The event, co-sponsored by Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, and Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, brought together regional leaders, business figures, and infrastructure experts to highlight the region’s economic strengths and discuss the investment needed to help our businesses thrive and bring in more benefits to the local economy.

Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, said:

“Ensuring growth delivers real benefits for local people has to be the priority. Better transport links, more housing, and improved infrastructure are crucial for making our region an even better place to live and work, with the potential for more high-quality jobs in Peterborough too.

Investment in rail and road links will strengthen connectivity across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and beyond. In doing so, we can bring more affordable housing to our area, so young people growing up here can afford to buy their own homes and build careers here. These steps show that we have a government committed to backing our region, and I’ll continue working to make sure our area gets the support it needs to succeed.”

Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, said:

“Peterborough is the industrial heartland of Cambridgeshire with the potential to bring jobs and investment to the region alongside much-need infrastructure growth in the county.

The expansion of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc provides an opportunity for Peterborough to boost skills and jobs, and build on our manufacturing and tech potential. I welcome the clear leadership from the Government for a new station on the East Coast Mainline which will improve connections to Peterborough and for a new Fens Reservoir.

Alongside investment in affordable and social housing, this is a plan to boost our region and create jobs here”

Notes:  

• Information on the Chancellor’s announcement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reeves-i-am-going-further-and-faster-to-kick-start-the-economy  
• Information on the CPCA Parliamentary Reception can be found here: https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/news/cambridgeshire-and-peterborough-showcase-their-growth-and-potential-to-the-house-of-commons/