Oxford Cowley Branch Line design work contract commissioned
The move is being described as a step towards “fixing Oxford’s chronic transport problems”.
A £498,799 sum of money will go towards design work around the two proposed stations of the Cowley Branch Line at Littlemore and Blackbird Leys in south and east Oxford[1].
Map indicating areas served by the proposed service. (Image: Oxford City Council)
The Cowley Branch Line is only used by freight going to and from the BMW Mini Plant and has been closed to passengers since 1963.
Oxford City Council cabinet member for housing, Linda Smith, said: “This is progress and it is really welcome progress and part of the journey towards getting us where we need to be.
Councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for Housing, of the Lye Valley ward. (Image: Oxford City Council.)
“This is the kind of ambitious project that could really make a difference.”
Ms Smith added that the development was a further step towards “fixing Oxford’s chronic transport problems”.
The newly-approved design work would assist in making sure stations are easily accessible.
There had been unanimous support from city councillors to spend £4.56 million on creating a full business case for the proposed service during a council meeting in February this year.
A report stated that much of the money would be forward funded from local landowners and then repaid or offset from future Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments.
Driver Phil Cotton stops at the Oxford Science Park in 2014.
Under current proposals, the railway line will run through the Oxford Science Park and Oxford Business Park, connecting to the existing Oxford Parkway and Oxford Station, and will offer routes to Bicester[3] and London among other destinations.
Funds are also being contributed to the project by Oxfordshire County[4] Council.
The stations would serve areas of Oxford where there are currently ongoing mass housing projects such as the ‘South Oxfordshire Science Village’ at Grenoble Road in the south of the city.
Ms Smith added: “I think it will be really good for the area.”
The Grenoble Road greenbelt is one area where there have been major plans for housing development.
Officers said of the decision: “This commission will support the successful strategy and implementation plan for a regionally significant transport scheme.
“Comprising a funding and finance solution for the project delivery stage[5] of CBL, as well as a spatial framework for the area most affected by the CBL, it will enable Oxford City Council and other local parties to ensure the rail scheme contributes to the creation and improvement of the neighbourhoods around the proposed two new stations.”
They added the decision would “rely on high quality work at pace during 2024, including stakeholder engagement, infographics, concept design and forming a successful working relationship with the Network Rail-led programme, as well as other supporting pieces of work coordinated by Oxford City Council”.