Following concerns over the impact of East West Rail on Bedford Hospital and nearby residents, Bedford & Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin has welcomed new assurances over hospital parking and the proposed Elective Care Hub, but urged the railway company to avoid demolishing homes near Bedford station.
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have now confirmed they have agreed on what they describe as a “collaborative approach” to delivering both the railway project and the Trust’s planned Elective Care Hub.
The agreement follows discussions between the two organisations after EWR Co withdrew a temporary holding objection linked to the hospital’s proposed planning application for the new care hub on Britannia Road.
According to EWR Co, the objection was not against the hospital development itself, but rather concerned a potential overlap between the Trust’s plans and proposals for a replacement multi-storey car park connected to the rail scheme.
Following a series of design workshops between both organisations, the issue has now been resolved.
The railway company said the agreement means both projects can now move forward together, including commitments to minimise disruption during construction and maintain safe access to Bedford Hospital for staff, patients and visitors.
Crucially, EWR Co says there will be no reduction in hospital parking spaces either during construction or after the project is completed.
Read: EWR objected to Bedford Hospital expansion plans
Responding to the announcement, Mr Yasin (Labour) said it was “good to hear” East West Rail had listened to concerns raised locally. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said: “Ensuring patients, visitors and staff can continue to access the hospital without additional disruption is essential.
“It is good to hear that East West Rail has listened to the concerns raised by Bedford Hospital and agreed that there will be no reduction in hospital parking spaces, either during construction or once the project is complete.
“I am also pleased that concerns regarding the impact of the railway works on the proposed Elective Care Hub have now been successfully addressed, allowing this important healthcare investment to move forward with greater certainty.”
However, the MP said significant concerns remained around the wider impact of the project on homes near Bedford station.
He added: “It is also encouraging that East West Rail has listened to Queen’s Park residents and is committed to improving plans relating to station car parking.
“I continue to urge East West Rail to look again at options for delivering four tracks in a way that avoids the demolition of homes and properties around the station.
“Residents deserve to know that every alternative has been fully explored before irreversible decisions are made.”
Read: Councillors vote to create “strongest possible case” against EWR demolitions
Hospital and rail plans
EWR Co said the current tight curvature of the railway line near Bedford St Johns station means it is unsuitable for the more frequent and longer trains planned as part of the East West Rail project, including proposed five-car trains linked to future passenger demand.
The company says removing the hospital’s current car park will allow a straighter rail alignment and construction of a replacement Bedford St Johns station closer to the hospital.
EWR argues this would improve rail access to Bedford Hospital while also reducing noise, maintenance requirements and operational issues on the railway.
Read: East West Rail route won’t change as Bedford consultation focuses on traffic and station plans
As part of the agreement, EWR Co says the new multi-storey car park will be completed before work begins on the current hospital car park site.
The company also said it is conducting traffic modelling and exploring alternative construction routes to reduce disruption around the hospital site.
David Hughes, chief executive of East West Railway Company, said: “We’re really pleased to have agreed a collaborative approach that enables both the East West Rail project and Bedford Hospital’s Elective Care Hub plans to move forward together more effectively.
“This positive outcome reflects a shared commitment to delivering long-term benefits for Bedford communities while maintaining safe access to hospital services and minimising disruption for patients, staff and visitors throughout construction.”
Melanie Banks, director of redevelopment at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Our overriding priority is to ensure delivery of the EWR scheme and the Bedford Hospital redevelopment efficiently and to a high standard, so that together they have the opportunity to strengthen patient access and onward care, support our dedicated healthcare workforce, and provide lasting benefits for the communities we serve.
“We anticipate sustained, thorough and detailed engagement as the EWR project develops, ensuring that outstanding questions are fully addressed.”
People can learn more about the latest East West Rail proposals during a consultation event on Saturday, 23 May, between 11am and 6pm at The King’s House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford.
Feedback on the consultation must be submitted by 11.59pm on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.
Additional reporting by John Guinn,
Local Democracy Reporter
