Consultation opens on redevelopment plans for Manchester Oxford Road rail station

Major upgrades to deliver improvements for passengers and the wider rail network are being proposed by Network Rail as part of the Manchester Oxford Road Station Remodelling Scheme. The consultation, launched today (January 20), will consider upgrades including longer platforms, track and signalling improvements, as well as construction of a new station footbridge with lifts serving all platforms. Outline proposals being brought forward by Network Rail include reconfiguring the platform layout, leaving a total of three platforms each capable of accommodating longer trains.

The two, longer through-platforms will be able to take eight car trains, while a new turn-back platform will accommodate six car trains; an increase in capacity of two cars per platform. The aim of the public consultation is to give everyone the opportunity to review outline proposals and provide their views so that they can be taken into account and inform further design. Proposed track layout and signalling improvements will reduce congestion by removing conflicting train movements.

Overhead line equipment will also be upgraded, as well as more than 900m of new track being laid. The remodelling scheme includes improvements to accessibility throughout the station, featuring a new footbridge with increased movement space for passengers and new lifts allowing step-free access to all platforms. Wider, resurfaced platforms and improvements to existing lifts are also planned.

Key benefits of the scheme are:

Increasing the length of the platforms will mean an extra 120 seats will be available on services calling at the station.
Improving the track and signalling will increase flexibility, and so improving reliability across the regional network, supporting an increase from 12 to 14 trains per hour.
Improvements to the station's platforms and footbridge will create a more accessible and inviting environment for passengers.
Longer platforms will enable interfacing schemes, such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade, to deliver their full benefits including longer trains running on the wider network.

The design of the footbridge, staircase and canopies takes into consideration the surrounding area, including buildings of historic value, such as the Grade II-listed station building and platform canopies at Manchester Oxford Road Station itself, as well as other buildings in Whitworth Street and Oxford Road. Feedback is being invited on all scheme elements, such as design, construction and the impacts of the scheme on the rail network, environment and community. The first round of consultation on Manchester Oxford Road Remodelling scheme will run from January 20, to February 28, 2025.

During this period, a virtual consultation room and feedback form will be available. There will also be two drop-in events to view the plans and speak with the team at Friends' Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS on February 1, from 11am to 4pm, and February 17, from, 2-7pm. Pete Winters, Senior Project lead for Network Rail, said: "The Manchester Oxford Road Remodelling Scheme consultation is an opportunity for the public to hear about our exciting plans for the station.

"We want to bring all station users, as well as the local community, with us on the journey of improving this important station. I urge the local community and station users to let us know their thoughts so that they can be taken into account as the designs progress." Craig Harrop, Regional Director for train operator Northern in the North West, said: "We're really excited about the redevelopment of Manchester Oxford Road station and the enhanced experience this will provide our colleagues and customers.

"It's an iconic station and one of the main gateways to the city and so I would encourage local residents and rail users to get involved and voice their opinion on the plans." Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We have said for a long time that Oxford Road Station is in need of a range of improvements from easing the congestion, increasing capacity, improving reliability and ensuring that the station is accessible for all commuters. "This consultation will be a positive step in achieving those goals and ensuring that the needs of the tens of thousands of people who travel through Oxford Road on a daily basis are being met."

She added: "Any future development will be a long term project, but infrastructure upgrades like these are essential if we are to continue growing Manchester as the leading city of the North." A second round of consultation is due to take place before the end of 2025, which will focus on environmental and construction information. Once both consultations have been considered, Network Rail will submit the applications needed to build the scheme in 2026.