About the new transport interchange, in Flitwick
Work is nearing completion on a new transport interchange hub in Flitwick. The new transport interchange will connect bus and rail services for the community and will feature a number of improvements, including:
- 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, including real-time departure information
- improvements to Steppingley Road, including vehicle access to both the station and Tesco opposite
- dedicated facilities for Center Parcs Woburn passenger collection and drop-off
We've worked closely with our partners at both Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR) to develop proposals that will radically improve how the station functions.
We have also worked in collaboration with the South East Midlands Local Economic Partnership (SEMLEP), who are contributing nearly £2.2 million in funding from the government’s Getting Building Fund. This funding is added to our existing investment into the scheme, of which we are investing nearly £2.5 million into the project, alongside £167,000 in developer contributions.
Construction of the hub is scheduled to be completed by March 2023.
Social value
Alongside doing the building works for the new interchange, our contractor, Octavius has so far generated over £4million in social value for the community. Social value is about the contribution and experiences a business makes to local residents and businesses.
The social value work includes:
- hired 6 local people
- £293,000 spent locally
- £417,000 spent on Small Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs)
- 352 hours spent on learning interventions, upskilling staff on the construction site
- 177 hours spent with local schools and Bedford College. E.g, doing mock interviews with students, giving industry talks and providing work experience opportunities
- supported a work placement opportunity
- recycled 3722 tonnes of waste, avoiding landfills and supporting sustainability
- 57 hours spent on community engagement and integration. E.g, volunteering and sponsoring Flitwick Town Council's Family Fun Day
- spent over £6,000 in community donations
- supported 9 people with sustainable travel options and installed electric vehicle charging points and environmentally friendly cabins on site