Government funding announced for new entrance at Bletchley railway station

The Government has announced it will contribute funding for a new eastern entrance at Bletchley railway station.

A commitment of £17 million has been announced by the national government towards the project, with Milton Keynes City council confirming earlier this year that it will contribute up to £5 million if needed. This joint investment underlines the shared ambition to deliver a modern, accessible gateway that supports Bletchley’s ongoing regeneration.

Milton Keynes City Council welcomed the decision to fund the new entrance, describing it as a major step that could help transform the local economy.

The announcement comes after a long campaign from the local community and from the City Council for better access to the station, which has had clear public support.

The new entrance will create a direct link between the station and Queensway, Bletchley’s main high street. MK City Council said that this will make journeys quicker and easier, bring more people into the town centre, and boost to local shops and businesses. It will also help position Bletchley and Fenny Stratford as one of the best-connected areas in the region and as such a prime spot for more investment.

The decision is also talked up by the City Council as an approach that helps boost the impact and benefits of East West Rail, which is currently in development to restore the railway link between Oxford and Cambridge. The improved links will unlock new opportunities for jobs, education and growth, helping attract more visitors and investment.

Earlier this year, the City Council set out its ambitious Bletchley and Fenny Stratford 2050 Vision, which was shaped by local people and businesses. It describes how more vibrant streets, improved public spaces and stronger connections would bring a positive impact to the town. Key areas including Queensway, the Brunel Centre and Aylesbury Street will become more welcoming destinations.

Work is already under way along Queensway to create safer streets, better parking and make it a more attractive place to spend time through the Town’s Deal fund.

Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Jane Carr, said, “This is brilliant news for Bletchley and for Milton Keynes. This new entrance will open up the station, bring more people into the heart of the town and give a real boost to local businesses. It is exactly the kind of investment we need to unlock Bletchley’s full potential. With East West Rail on the horizon, this puts us in a fantastic position for the future and shows what we can achieve when we back our communities.”

Cabinet Member responsible for Bletchley Town Deal, Cllr Ed Hume, added, “This is a transformational moment for Bletchley. A new eastern entrance to the train station will not only open up our town centre but also unlock new opportunities for growth, jobs and investment. It is great to see this government funding coming into Bletchley. I’d like to thank everyone involved in campaigning hard alongside the Council to get this additional investment over the line.”

East West Railway Company Chief Executive, David Hughes, said, “We’re really pleased to see that funding has now been confirmed to allow the construction of the new eastern entrance at Bletchley station. This will provide a vital, direct connection between the railway and Bletchley town centre, making journeys easier, more accessible and better integrated with local businesses and services. This investment underlines our commitment to working with partners to ensure East West Rail delivers lasting benefits for passengers and communities along the route.”

The announcement was also praised by MP Callum Anderson, who represents Buckingham and Bletchley constituency.

In a statement on social media, he said, “I am so pleased to announce that Rachel Reeves has today committed £17m to build an eastern entrance at Bletchley Station. It was fantastic to join her and colleagues at the new Universal Studios resort just down the road in Bedfordshire to mark the fantastic news.

“I know that this has been something that local people have long been calling for, since well before I became an MP. This is why I made getting this project over the line a priority when I was elected in July 2024.

“Behind the scenes I have been working hard to build a business case and explain why this is so vital to colleagues in HM Treasury, UK Business and Trade, and Department for Transport. Think: many, many meetings and letters!

“I’d like to thank East West Railway Company for getting a brilliant business case together, as well as the Bletchley Investment Taskforce. Organisations who have been supporting this campaign include (but are not limited to): Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire Business First, Milton Keynes College, Milton Keynes Dons and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce.

“Huge thanks also to our Milton Keynes Labour Party councillors, including Cllr Ed Hume, plus West Bletchley Parish Council and Bletchley Fenny Stratford TC for their involvement.

“I can’t wait to see spades hit the ground, and I promise I will work relentlessly to ensure that Bletchley’s communities and our businesses (not least on Queensway) feel the benefit of this.”