News

Manchester Oxford Road station could close for more than two years for a major refurb

A public consultation has been launched.

Emily Sergeant - 20th January 2025

One of Manchester’s major central train stations could be set to close to the public for more than two years.

Hundreds of trains pass through Manchester Oxford Road each week, but that could soon be set to change, as Network Rail has today launched a public consultation on plans to carry out major upgrades at the station in a bid to “deliver improvements” for passengers and the wider rail network.

Upgrades include longer platforms, track and signalling improvements, and even the construction of a new station footbridge.

Proposed track layout and signalling improvements would reduce congestion by removing conflicting train movements, while overhead line equipment would also be upgraded, as well as over 900m of new track being laid.

Accessibility would also be improved throughout the station, with the proposed new footbridge increasing movement space for passengers and new lifts allowing step-free access to all platforms.

🛤️Big plans for Oxford Road!

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Find out more: https://t.co/2mynnJEAQk #Networkrail #oxfordroad #Manchester pic.twitter.com/4wy6M2VTQg
— Manchester Piccadilly (@NetworkRailMAN) January 20, 2025

Wider resurfaced platforms, and improvements to existing lifts are also planned.

Network Rail says the aim of the public consultation is to “give everyone the opportunity to review outline proposals” and to “provide their views” so that these can be taken into account and inform further design.

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.

Manchester Oxford Road station could close for more than two years for a major refurb / Credit: Northern

Speaking on the consultation as it launched today, Councillor Bev Craig, who is the 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.

“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.”

The first round of consultation will run up until 28 February, both online via the feedback form available at here, as well as at two drop-in events at Friends’ Meeting House, on Mount Street in the city centre, on Saturday 1 February from 11am-4pm, and Monday 17 February from 2pm-7pm.

A second round of consultation is due to take place before the end of 2025, and once both consultations have been considered, Network Rail is looking to submit the applications needed to build the scheme next year.

Featured Image – Network Rail