This new rail station on one of the UK’s busiest train lines is being built next to an old nuclear bunker

Alconbury Weald welcomed its very first residents in 2020. The Cambridgeshire neighbourhood, which sits south of Peterborough and northwest of Cambridge, was built on the site of RAF Alconbury, which houses one of the largest military bunkers in the UK. There are 6,500 homes there right now, but new plans have been revealed for even more, alongside a much-needed railway station. 

The owner of the site, Urban&Civic, wants to expand the town with more 1,000 more houses and a brand new railway station. That idea has been backed by the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It also wants to add shops, a secondary school, ‘pockets of parkland’ and a health centre in what will be the fourth phase of the project. 

If it gets the green light, Alconbury Weald Station would be built on the East Coast Main Line. An outline of that plan says that Urban&Civic would provide the land but Network Rail and other transport partners would be in charge of the delivery of the railway station and its associated infrastructure. Developers envision it including a concourse with shops and offices at ground level and apartments above.

RAF Alconbury was an active airbase between 1938 and 1995. Its secret, nuclear bomb-proof bunker, which the only part of the airbase still standing, was built in 1988 for the purpose of analysing highly confidential data collected by spy planes during the Cold War. Also known as ‘magic mountain’, it’s now a Grade II listed building in the middle of the site. It doesn’t look as though the new plans for Alconbury Weald will threaten the bunker. 

Mike Jenner, development manager from Urban&Civic, said of the proposals: ‘Phase 4 has an important role to play in the delivery of Alconbury Weald, connecting green spaces and key infrastructure.

‘The design of Phase 4 ensures walking, cycling and public transport links connect to the wider site seamlessly, and supports the aspirations of our local transport partners to progress a rail station, which will benefit many.’

There’s a public consultation open until March 23, offering locals a chance to feed back on the plans. 

ICYMI: This popular British seaside town is entering the next phase of a £20 million regeneration. 

Plus: This major UK airport could get a new public transport link. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.