Kettering station cycling hub in six-figure funding boost

Plans to vastly improve the cycling facilities at Kettering's rail station have been given a six-figure funding boost.

Just one scheme in the country - Cambridge North - has been given more than the £308,975 handed to Kettering as part of the Cycle Rail - Railway Station funding.

A masterplan on improvements to the station is being drawn up but it's hoped it will encourage people to cycle to the station, improving air quality.

Alison Holland, from the Kettering Town Centre Partnership, said: "This funding for a cycle hub at Kettering railway station is very welcome and will help give a much-needed boost to our town centre.

"It will enable and encourage local people to cycle to the station and park their bikes securely before heading off on their train journey which will help reduce congestion and improve air quality in the town.

"With the rise in popularity of cycling since the Covid-19 outbreak and the availability of electric bikes it's good to have the facilities to help support those who wish to cycle.

"We'd also like to see a cycle hire facility at the station so people who don't cycle can give it a try - we don't know if this is included in the funding but we are keeping our fingers crossed."

The funding was announced by transport secretary Grant Shapps MP as part of a £2.5m funding pot to provide 1,180 cycle spaces at 30 railway stations in England.

The Government wants the cash to encourage more people to incorporate cycling as part of a longer journey.

Stephen Hind, route enhancements manager for Network Rail, said: “We are always happy to work with stakeholders on their aspirations to improve the railway.

“We are working with Kettering Council on their masterplan which includes improvements to the station itself, as well as car parking in the area.”

A Kettering Council spokesman “Kettering Council is delighted to see this money has been awarded for the railway station. The borough council, county council, East Midlands Railway and Network Rail have been working closely together on developing a masterplan for the station area, to reflect the new role Kettering Station has as a focal point on the East Midlands line.

"Improved cycling facilities are crucial to that emerging work and fit well with the council’s climate change strategy of encouraging more pedestrian and cycling movements."