Rail scheme delay may impact Gatwick and Universal

An MP has warned that continued delays to funding a major rail upgrade across Croydon could have knock‑on effects for other projects - including Gatwick Airport's planned runway expansion and the new Universal Studios UK theme park.

During a House of Commons debate, it was revealed that the £2.9bn Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS) remains stalled.

First proposed in 2020, the project was intended to ease a long‑standing bottleneck on the Brighton Main Line in the Croydon area.

Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed the project had been paused by the previous government in 2022 without notifying stakeholders, and has not been reinstated in subsequent spending reviews.

The Thameslink route is one of the busiest in the country and links London with the south coast, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

CARS includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations, extensive track remodelling around Selhurst, and bridge works to create space for additional lines.

Croydon East MP Natasha Irons warned that failing to tackle the long‑standing bottleneck could have wider consequences for the South East economy.

She said further delays risked undermining the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, due to open in 2031, which is expected to support about 28,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million visitors a year.

She also warned that the £2.2bn northern runway expansion at Gatwick Airport could be hindered.

"Rail is not an optional extra - it is a fundamental element of Gatwick's success," Irons said.

The transport minister said that rail spending remained constrained and that the government would not be currently providing funding for CARS.

There were also no plans to apply for planning consents such as a Transport and Works Act Order or to carry out any associated compulsory land purchases.

Despite this, Lightwood described the Brighton Main Line as a "vital artery" and pointed to previous investment, including the £7bn Thameslink programme and the £250m upgrade of Gatwick Airport station.

During the debate on 17 March, he urged local leaders to continue developing their business case ahead of the next spending review in 2027.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk