Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton could become a ‘string city’ according to a report on the Oxford – Milton Keynes – Cambridge corridor. The report suggests the creation of new settlements, the reinstatement of a rail line between Cambridge and Bedford, and a passenger interchange linked to the East Coast Mainline could help the area thrive.

The report, by the National Infrastructure Commission who’ll be supporting the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference, uses the towns as a case study for the ‘string city’ and it stresses that the location is ‘speculative, based only on an initial appraisal of its fit with the characteristics of this typology.

The speculative appraisal notes the A1 which runs to the west of these towns and the proposals for it to be upgraded on a new alignment away from the existing sub-standard road. The report says: ”The strategy connects the existing towns with a high quality and efficient public transport loop, which also links to the new interchange station and the existing Biggleswade station. This loops becomes the main point for a string of new neighbourhoods linking to existing centres and new facilities and workspaces. However each would also be just a short walk away from the preserved ‘green heart’ of Sandy Warren and Biggleswade Common.”

It continues: ”The Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford corridor plans to link the cities and stimulate economic growth with plans for more than one million new houses by 2050. Central Bedfordshire Council has signed up to the project and mentions the scheme in its pre-submission Local Plan as a means to open up further opportunities for economic growth. Its plan calls for more than 20,000 new homes and 24,000 new jobs between now and 2035.

One area highlighted within the report is the headquarters of the RSPB – Sandy Warren. The area is described as an ‘outstanding environmental asset’ which would be at the heart of the new ring city.

It also mentions the potential opportunities for a food enterprise zone – which would become one of only six in the country, whilst also discussing a possible busway or tram route from Milton Keynes, through Marston Vale, Cranfield, Bedford and finally to Sandy.

The report mentions three potential routes currently under discussion for the Oxford to Cambridgeshire Expressway, which could include an upgrade of the A421. It concludes: ”Taken together, the case studies and spatial framework demonstrate how the delivery of East West Rail and the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway, if routed specified correctly, could enable substantial opportunities for the growth of new settlements between Bicester and Bletchley, in Marston Vale, South of Bedford, at Sandy and between Sandy and Cambridge.

Excitement is growing within the industry for the potential the corridor has for the economic environment, and we’ll be hearing more at our conference in June. Join us for the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference!