Plans for a 618-space multi-storey car park at Cambridge North station have divided opinion, with some saying it’s desperately needed while others warn it will worsen traffic
Cambridgeshire Live readers have been debating plans for a multi-storey car park at Cambridge North railway station. Some readers say it will help drivers and make trips easier.
Others say it will add to traffic, does not fit with ‘sustainable’ travel, and ignores bikes and buses. Chesterton Partnership has proposed to build a three-storey car park with 618 spaces on land north of Cowley Road in Cambridge.
The plans form part of the Cambridge North development. If approved, plans said the car park will provide a “strategically located parking infrastructure”.
The applicants added: “This arrangement establishes a clear and legible search pattern for drivers, improving wayfinding, reducing potential vehicle conflicts, and enhancing overall safety within the deck environment.”
For some, additional spaces are welcomed. Banthebikes says: “This is great news for car drivers and hopefully it will be full every day.”
Neil McArthur agrees that demand is genuine: “Yes, people actually drive in & around Cambridge, and desperately need convenient & affordable parking spaces across our city.”
Others argue the proposal misses the point entirely. Freddly writes: “There is nothing sustainable in this plan, and it needs to be turned down. Traffic simply expands to fill the space available – the last 40 years have taught us that. Even if this was considered ‘park and ride’ for the station, there is nothing virtuous or sustainable about driving to a station to take a train.”
Charlesbranston asks: “Any plans on finally creating a safe place for commuters to leave their bikes? Or should we all continue to use the main station in the absence of somewhere reasonably safe to lock up a bike, with at least the glimmer of hope that it hasn’t already been pinched before your return journey?”
Windypants believes: “This will just escalate the already terrible congestion throughout the city. There should be no parking at all at any station in Cambridge. Walking is good for you! As is cycling!”
Calumen Nomen disagrees: “No – they have taught us that if you recklessly expand the population, then you will also expand the activities and services that population generates and requires. Such as traffic. btw – we have ‘sustained’ driving for well over a hundred years now. How much longer before the fuzzy-minded element amongst us accepts that it is very obviously ‘sustainable’ (as if that matters)?”
Is this car park really needed? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.