South Cambs MP Heidi Allen has said the Government’s backing of plans to build an ‘Addenbrooke’s station’ in Cambridge as part of the Autumn Budget is a step in the right direction.

Chancellor Philip Hammond announced on Wednesday his formal backing of the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendation to deliver a railway station on Cambridge’s Biomedical Campus by 2022 with £5 million of matched funding.

The new ‘Addenbrooke’s station’ in the south of the city will help with planned growth in the region and provide significantly improved transport links.

Mrs Allen, who worked with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to promote plans for the station in the early stages, said: “I have been working closely with the Government and key local stakeholders to advance plans to deliver this railway station. This announcement demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting the Cambridge Biomedical Campus to reach its full potential as a world-renowned centre of excellence, thereby securing continued economic growth for the region and beyond.

“This important announcement takes us closer to delivering a much-needed railway station in the south of the city. But make no mistake, there is still much work to do in developing other important infrastructure projects, such as an all-ways interchange at Girton, improvements to the A505 and a railway crossing at Foxton. We need all of these projects to reduce congestion and increase the area’s productivity through improved connectivity.”

Cambridge is considered key in the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford arc, which has been recognised by the National Infrastructure Commission as containing some of the country’s most productive and innovative towns and cities.

Recent reports published by the commission and the West Anglia Taskforce identify the area’s transport links as the greatest potential obstacle to future growth.

In a visit to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in August, Mr Grayling discussed plans for a train station at the site and lent his support to the scheme – saying that he was “convinced” of the need for a new station in the south of the city.

Dr Andy Williams, vice president for Cambridge Strategy and Operations at AstraZeneca, said: “We are delighted at this news, which will bring significant and sustainable benefits to the Cambridge region and the UK life sciences sector.

“It has been a real team effort by local MPs, the Combined Authority, Greater Cambridge Partnership, businesses and organisations. We thank Heidi Allen MP for her personal contribution to and leadership of this cause over the past couple of years.

“This station will enhance connectivity within the ‘‘Golden Triangle’ of Cambridge, Oxford and London and internationally, which in turn will help drive growth and investment in UK science and innovation.”