About the new transport interchange, in Flitwick
We’ve created a new transport interchange hub in Flitwick that connects bus and rail services to the town centre. The improvements included:
- a new station forecourt with pedestrian, cycle and vehicle access
- a new passenger drop-off and dedicated taxi areas
- a public transport interchange with three bus stops, passenger waiting areas, and improved taxi facilities
- improvements to Steppingley Road, including vehicle access to both the station and Tesco opposite
- dedicated facilities for coaches, Parc Woburn passenger collection and drop-off
We worked closely with our partners at both Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to develop proposals that will radically improve how the station functions.
Flitwick was also worked in collaboration with the South East Midlands Local Economic Partnership (SEMLEP), who contributed nearly £2.5 million in funding from the government’s Getting Building Fund. This funding is added to our £2.5 million investment into the scheme, alongside £167,000 in developer contributions.
Social value
Alongside doing the building works for the new interchange, our contractor, Octavius, generated over £4 million in social value for the community. Social value is about the contribution and experiences a business makes to local people and businesses. The social value work included:
- hired 8 local people
- £250,000 spent locally
- £470,000 spent on Small Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs)
- 135 hours spent on learning interventions, upskilling staff on the construction site
- 132 hours spent with local schools and Bedford College, e.g. doing mock interviews with students, giving industry talks and providing work experience opportunities
- 5 weeks of paid placement opportunity
- supported 322 learners of varying abilities and skills supporting sustainability messages through communication and film days
- £7,000 spent with Flitwick Town Football Academy, for volunteering and engagement activities such as sports days
- encouraged 20 people on sustainability-friendly options and installed electric vehicle charging points and environmentally friendly cabins on site