The long-awaited new railway station in Wellington has been officially approved by the government as part of its recent spending review, ending months of uncertainty for the project.
Valued at £15 million, the Wellington station proposal has faced delays since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a review of major transport projects in July 2024. Despite no direct mention during the Chancellor’s June 11 statement in the House of Commons, the Treasury later confirmed the government’s commitment to fund both Wellington and Cullompton stations, bringing relief and celebration to local Liberal Democrat MPs Gideon Amos and Richard Foord.
Mr. Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, emphasized the project’s importance after addressing the Chancellor in Parliament. He highlighted that the station would generate £180 million in economic growth along the Cardiff-Bristol-Exeter corridor and create hundreds of local jobs. Although Reeves referenced substantial transport investment in the West of England Combined Authority area, she did not explicitly mention Wellington or Somerset. Clarification from Treasury officials confirmed full funding for both stations, with additional details forthcoming.
READ MORE: Glastonbury Festival Founder Reveals Key 2023 Changes Led to Reduced Ticket Availability
READ MORE: Key Somerset Flood Defence Secures Nearly £1 Million for Major Upgrades
Mr. Amos expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s approval, citing strong local campaigning efforts and the station’s readiness to proceed. “At around £42 million, this project promises significant economic benefits and is the only rail development in the South West poised for completion within two years.”
The new Wellington station will be located off Nynehead Road, accessible through a planned housing development of 200 homes that gained outline planning permission in May 2024. Despite the project’s temporary hold during the review, Somerset Council and developer West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. have continued site preparations, securing detailed planning permission for access roads and a newly designed station square as of March 2025.
Mr. Amos noted that but for last year’s review, construction would already be underway, praising his predecessor Jeremy Browne for pioneering the project. Local leaders like Wellington mayor Janet Lloyd expressed overwhelming joy, underscoring the station’s benefits for economic growth and expanded educational access across the region.
Chris Winter, managing director of West of England Developments, shared plans to commence work on the spine road connecting to the station by autumn, pending minor legal consent changes. Construction on the residential development is expected to begin with possible home occupation from 2027, aligning with the station’s build timeline.
Meanwhile, Cullompton’s new station near the M5 services continues to progress following infrastructure agreements signed earlier this year. MP Richard Foord celebrated the milestone, recognizing the persistent efforts of the community and officials who advocated tirelessly for the project.
With funding now secured, both Wellington and Cullompton stations mark significant advancements in regional transport infrastructure, promising enhanced connectivity and growth for Somerset and beyond.