The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has given authorisation for the new railway station at Cambridge South to become fully operational from Sunday, 28th June, from which date railway passengers will be able to travel to and from the station.

Authorisation was required from the ORR, as one of its responsibilities is to authorise new and upgraded infrastructure and rolling stock that is either new or has had a major upgrade or renewal, before they enter operational service.

The new Cambridge South station is conveniently situated for direct access to Europe’s largest medical research facility on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. As well as the research facility, the campus houses NHS hospitals, University of Cambridge departments, and major life sciences organisations.

The station is also located near the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre, and Royal Papworth Hospital.

From the outset, up to nine trains an hour will run from Cambridge South to Cambridge. London Kings Cross/St Pancras International, Stansted Airport. Gatwick Airport and Birmingham. These connections will improve access to jobs, healthcare, research, and education across the region.

The ORR’s authorisation covers the new station and its associated infrastructure, including four new platforms, six lifts providing step-free access, and passenger information systems. As well as being crucial in approving the new as being ready to open, the ORR’s authorisation confirms that standards for health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability, and availability have all been met.

Throughout the project, the ORR worked closely with GBR Anglia to ensure that all important checks and surveys were carried out correctly.

The new Cambridge South station incorporates a public art installation by Turner Prize nominee Mark Titchner that highlights the station’s role as a gateway between some of Cambridge’s most significant destinations.

“Cambridge South is a vital new transport hub, improving access to one of the country’s leading centres for healthcare, research and life sciences. “We’re pleased to have played our part in getting the station ready to open. Our team worked closely with GBR Anglia to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”

Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management