“A big missed opportunity” - Lib Dems call for public toilet access at new Cambridge South station

Local Liberal Democrat councillors have written an open letter to Network Rail urging them to honour earlier commitments to provide public toilet access at the new Cambridge South Station, expected to open in early 2026. They argue that the facility is vital for users of the nearby park and play areas, visitors to the Biomedical Campus, and local residents.

Cllr Olaf Hauk, who represents the ward of Trumpington that includes the station, explains:

“When the station plans were approved under the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), the Planning Inspector “strongly encouraged” the future operator to include public facilities, such as toilets, as part of the station design to compensate for the significant harm caused to Hobson’s Park during construction and operation. The Secretary of State agreed, and in 2023 Network Rail confirmed that free public toilets would be provided.

It is therefore deeply disappointing that in a recent meeting with the Joint Development Management Planning Committee (JDMC), Network Rail backed out of their commitment and announced that toilets would not be available to non-travelling members of the public.”

Cllr Immy Blackburn-Horgan, who represents Queen Edith's ward that includes the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, emphasises the importance of public toilet facilities for the area:

“Public toilets are essential for residents with vulnerabilities, including the elderly, disabled, and parents with young children. They are also important for those using active travel, such as walking and cycling, and would serve the neighbouring active recreation area, children’s play area, and skatepark, as well as Hobson’s Park itself.”

Cllr Blackburn-Horgan adds:

“There are several practical possibilities for Network Rail to provide public toilet access. Platform tickets—allowing access without travel—are sold at many stations nationwide. Furthermore, the ticket barrier could be moved to allow access to the toilets. Also, the retail unit that is part of the station could be designed to provide public access to the existing toilets, or include separate publicly accessible facilities.

This would be big missed opportunity. Providing public toilet access was a key benefit presented to the committee during the planning process and should now be delivered.”