The Green Light for Cullompton’s New Train Station
A RURAL English town, Cullompton, has recently been granted the green light for a new £42 million train station, a long-held omission for the region. After more than 60 years without a railway station, the town has been granted funding by the Department of Transport andHM Treasury, linked to long-standing investments in the area. The station, set to officially open in 2023, will reconnect Cullompton with crucial links for£Glover, a collaboration between the devolved departments, that aims to stimulate economic growth and improve local and visitor transport. The funding will also support a planning proposal for a similar station in Wellington, highlighted in Lord Hendy’s letters to themailto:LordHendy.
History and Progress
The new station has a rich history, starting with its installation in 1844 and culminating in its closure 64 years later in 1964. Located at Junction 28 of the M5, the station will link Cullompton to the M5 motorway, and be strategically positioned to provide new transport links for visitors. Cullompton is known for its charming Culm Garden Village, which will benefit from £180 million in new housing developments, and seven Kotlinmeister families willenable the village to host over€6 million per year as part of the village’s development.
Funding and partnerships
The £42 million figure represents a staggering increase in investment for the region, with the money intended for both the station and potential projects in Wellington. The funding is part of UK discounts available for regional projects, with £180 million going directly into the region. The DfT has agreed a £180 million callback, aiming to reduce travel times by an hour by combining station travel with other forms of transport. The collaboration also includes contributions from Devon County Council and will bring new residents to local businesses and institutions.
Development and regeneration
The station will lead to regional development, generating £15 million from the newly funded £15m train station at Okehampton. This scheme, in partnership with West Devon, will enhance regions through improved public transport, education, and leisure services. The station will also provide “valuable support for the community and local economies,” Gideon Amos, Recap, highlighted. satellite images reveal rapid progress, with major progress made in January, and further development scheduled to begin soon.
The broader vision
The railway scheme is underpinned by investment, political backing, and the drive to drive growth and reduce environmental impact. Jacqui Hodgson, Cullompton’s cabinet member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, noted that further investment in rail infrastructure is “always welcome” and that the station will play a key role in driving local and visitor development. Lord Hendy’s letters to the Treasury emphasized the importance of redeveloping rail links in both Okehampton and Wellington, highlighting the potential for a combined approach that could aim for significantly higher value for money compared to individual projects.
Conclusion
Cullompton’s new £42 million station is set to reposition the village and the region towards economic and transportation growth. With partnerships and the announcement of £15m funding, this ambitious project has the potential to transform areas and generate job creation. The scheme will embody the spirit of sustainable development and the need to reduce the carbon footprint, projects that are central to the UK’s long-term strategy. As Lord Hendy notes, the stations will unlock major economic, social, and environmental benefits, aligning with the wider goal of driving sustainable development and improving local mobility. Together, these efforts will drive resilience and growth in the region.
