Oxford Railway Station has been described as “pretty lousy” by the chair of the Oxford Growth Commission, who says the site will likely require extra public funding to reach a standard befitting the city. Neale Coleman has called for an “ambitious” redevelopment to create a “first class entry to the city,” with plans to transform the station into a landmark gateway.
Network Rail said it is at the early stages of planning and will review the opportunities and challenges of the site before deciding what can be delivered. The first phase of improvements, including work to accommodate the East-West Rail service and the reopening of Botley Road, is expected by next summer. However, full redevelopment of the station and surrounding area is not scheduled to start until around 2031, with completion projected by 2037 according to Oxfordshire County Council’s OxRAIL 2040 plan.
Mr Coleman is working with Network Rail, Oxford City Council, and Oxfordshire County Council to appoint a design team that will finalise plans and estimate costs. Proposals under consideration include a new underpass between platforms, an extension of the Marylebone platform, and two new buildings to welcome passengers. He stressed that public funding would be crucial: “That station is not good enough for Oxford, it’s not good enough for any city frankly, but certainly not one with the ambitions we have.”
Pressure group Oxon4Buses has also called for the redevelopment to include a new bus hub, launching a petition with over 1,400 signatures asking Network Rail to leave a “positive legacy” and ensure a public transport interchange that supports buses, cycling, walking, and rail connections.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are at the very start of the process for the station masterplan, with the appointment of an architect being part of the first stage. Ahead of any design work, we will look in detail at both the opportunities and challenges of the site and what could potentially be delivered. This includes infrastructure for parking, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.” The company confirmed it will work with local communities and station users as the project progresses.
