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.

A consultation launched today (20 January) 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 public consultation will give people 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 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 20 January to 28 February 2025. During this period, a virtual consultation room and feedback form will be available by clicking here.

There will also be drop-in events to view the plans and speak with the team at Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS on 1 February, 11am-4pm and 17 February, 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, which include platform, track and signalling upgrades, alongside improvements to station accessibility.

“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.”

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.