You may have noticed less activity on the Wixams Station construction site. While critical work to maintain safety continues, the Council, together with Central Government and Network Rail are now assessing the impact of the proposed larger station to ensure all options and requirements for future designs are established safely.
On this page you will find information about Wixams Station, including previous public engagement events.
This flythrough video takes you on a virtual journey through the vision for this growing community, showcasing the new station, infrastructure and more for illustrative purposes.
Universal announcement
Universal Destinations & Experiences announced on the 9 April 2025 it is set to bring a world-class theme park and resort to the former brickworks site just south of Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.
The arrival of Universal, bringing thousands of new jobs and millions of annual visitors, has fundamentally strengthened the strategic importance of Wixams Station, which has always been central to our growth plans.
This exciting development necessitates enhanced rail connectivity, not just for local residents, but also for regional and international visitors. We are already working closely with stakeholders, including Network Rail and the Department for Transport, to determine how rail can best support Universal, the wider community, and this significant increase in demand.
What happens next?
With site work underway, we're entering a crucial phase in delivering Wixams Station. Extensive ground works are helping to shape the final design, with works ongoing to upgrade the overhead line equipment as critical infrastructure to the railway.
You may have noticed less activity on the Wixams Station construction site. While critical work to maintain safety continues, the Council, together with Central Government and Network Rail are now assessing the impact of the proposed larger station to ensure all options and requirements for future designs are established safely.
Central Government is exploring the options to expand from the original two-platform design to a more ambitious four-platform layout. As Universal’s plans evolve, we’ll continue working in close partnership with Network Rail, the Department for Transport, and other key stakeholders to align timelines and ensure the station is future-proofed for generations to come.
While major rail projects take time, this is a unique opportunity to deliver a landmark station for Bedford Borough to serve the needs of residents and visitors.
Request information in an alternative format
If you require any of the above information in an alternate format, please contact Bedford Borough Council by emailing WixamsStation@bedford.gov.uk or by post to: Wixams Station, Major Projects, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP.
Other information
Please note the sections below were the original plans and may change in light of the recent Universal announcement.
More on Wixams Station
Previous engagement events
Bedford Borough Council has undertaken a non-statutory public engagement on its plans for Wixams Station whilst they were at a formative stage and ahead of the submission of applications for planning permission.
Bedford Borough Council hosted two drop-in events for local residents and businesses to learn more about the station project and ask questions of the project team, these were on 27 June and 28 June 2022. Both events were held at Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Wixams, MK42 6EA.
The public engagement has closed and we thank those who provided feedback with approval now granted for the submissions:
Wixams Station has always been an important part of the plans for Wixams. The provision of a new railway station with regular services to London and Bedford and connections to stations to the north was an integral part of the original masterplan for this integrated and significant garden village development.
Outline planning permission for Wixams Station was granted in 2013. This application from the Wixams developers established permission, in principle, for a railway station development at the proposed location without any design detail.
The station was originally planned to be delivered in partnership with the Wixams developers, Gallagher Estates and the railway industry. However, changes to the railway's organisation meant that they were unable to deliver the project.
In June 2022, Bedford Borough Council updated its Rail Investment Strategy, setting out its priorities for rail services and infrastructure improvements. The provision of a new railway station at Wixams was identified as a key priority.
Wixams Station represents a significant investment in the Borough’s sustainable transport provision by providing new access to the rail network with regular services for local residents and businesses.
A rail station with regular services will reduce the number of road-based trips and congestion leading to improvements in air quality.
Developing Wixams Station
Wixams Station will be located in Station Quarter at the western boundary of Wixams. Situated on the Midland Main Line between Bedford and Flitwick Stations, it will offer access to the local and national rail network.
Wixams Station will be served by up to four Thameslink trains per hour in each direction.
All residents of Wixams will live within 2km of the new station. For the average person, this equates to a maximum 25-minute walk or a 10-minute cycle ride.
Bedford Borough Council is committed to supporting active travel options to and from the station, so the facilities will also include secure cycle parking and bus stops within the station drop-off area.
Wixams Station project timeline
Construction of the station is anticipated to begin in Autumn 2024, subject to necessary consents being secured and development of the detailed design. Bedford Borough Council continues to work with Network Rail to finalise a construction programme with first trains anticipated to enter into service in the second half of 2026.
Details of how construction will be managed to mitigate the environmental impacts (including noise, vibration, dust, and traffic) will be subject to a planning condition.
There will be out-of-hours construction because some work will need to be done when trains are not operating. Network Rail keep neighbours informed about planned working arrangements so that they are aware of and can plan for any disruption.
Every effort will be made to ensure that the impacts on residents and businesses are minimised, both during daytime working and when essential work needs to take place at night or over a weekend.
Environment
The site has been the subject of ecology surveys and assessments. The surveys and assessments were undertaken to understand its ecological sensitivity and to assist in enabling the development proposals to be designed in such a manner to avoid or mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife.
An Ecological Impact Assessment was submitted in support of the planning applications and will continue to be monitored throughout.
Post engagement
The public engagement was closed and the project team reviewed all the feedback received and where necessary refined the plans and supporting information ahead of the planning application submissions.
Two planning applications were required, a ‘reserved matters’ application providing more detail about the proposal and a full planning application relating to the land required to construct the platforms and works to the line. These further consents were required to progress the scheme. The two planning applications were submitted and have now been determined. These can be found here: Reserved Matters and Full Planning Application.
The Wixams Station project is now being delivered by Bedford Borough Council with support from the rail industry. Bedford Borough Council has entered into a contract with Network Rail to develop detailed design and construct the Wixams Station.
Statement of Community Engagement
As part of the planning applications, we submitted a Statement of Community Engagement (SCE), which described how the local community, businesses and stakeholders had been engaged in the planning for Wixams Station and how this feedback has informed the proposals.
We welcomed your feedback on the applications for planning permission. This consultation was undertaken by the Local Planning Authority, Bedford Borough Council. Future updates will be published on this webpage as the project develops.
