Campaign for Cowley Branch Line is Launched

The Campaign for Cowley Branch Line is being launched today to advocate for the re-opening of the Cowley Branch Line to passengers. The rail project would transform public transport for local communities, unlock new housing, create new jobs and support Oxford’s net-zero ambitions.

The campaign, led by ARC Oxford, the Ellison Institute of Technology, and The Oxford Science Park, is calling on local businesses to lend their support in a collective effort to ensure that this essential transport link is prioritised in regional infrastructure planning.

The rail line, which has been closed to the public for 60 years, could be sustainably, quickly and affordably restored to create two new stations in East Oxford, providing a nine-minute journey time to the city centre, and a direct service to London Marylebone running twice hourly.

Key benefits:

  • Fast and reliable journeys into Oxford city centre from two of the most deprived wards in the south of England, and important employment growth areas
  • 1m rail journeys per year forecast by year four, easing traffic congestion in the city
  • Approx. 6,000 allocated homes will be brought forward more quickly and a further 5-10,000 homes will be potentially unlocked
  • Supports the creation of 6-10,000 new jobs
  • Unlocks 2.5m sq ft additional commercial space within existing innovation parks and
  • Connects Oxford’s four major economic clusters (ARC Oxford, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford West End, Oxford North) to London

A consultation for the Cowley Branch Line in 2024 showed that over 90% of the public who responded were supportive or very supportive of the project. Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, said:

"It’s important to deliver this project because it goes beyond just a transport measure and helps us deliver much needed housing for Oxford residents as well as creating a new expanded hub for innovation and economic growth.”

The detailed business case for the Cowley Branch Line is being submitted to the UK Government this Spring. If the case is approved, Oxford City Council, Network Rail and others will work to progress the reopening as quickly as possible.

For more information, please visit the campaign’s website at www.campaignforcowleybranchline.com

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