Network Rail seeks architect for Oxford Station redevelopment

Network Rail is inviting bids from architectural practices to lead the design and planning for the next phase of redevelopment at Oxford Railway Station, a project seen as pivotal to the city’s ambitions as a national transport hub and innovation centre.

According to a contract notice published on 5 September, the appointed architect will deliver a revised masterplan and a detailed planning application for Phase 1 of the Oxford Station Masterplan. The commission includes oversight of a broad mixed-use scheme integrating transport, commercial, and residential elements.

The tender, estimated at £2.28 million including VAT, covers services to be delivered between November 2025 and November 2026, with the option to extend for an additional year to cover a potential Phase 2. Network Rail has not yet committed to proceeding with the second phase.

Design and Planning Scope

The selected firm will lead masterplanning efforts to evolve previous design proposals, coordinating input from specialist consultants across transport, engineering, heritage, and sustainability disciplines. The remit includes designs for new station entrances, a multi-storey car park, a cycle hub, offices, life sciences and residential buildings, and a hotel.

A full RIBA Stage 2+ design report and a planning application for the first phase are expected deliverables, alongside support during the application determination process. Sustainability is a key focus, with requirements to meet high ESG standards and achieve certifications such as BREEAM and WELL.

Stakeholder engagement will be critical, with coordination required between Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Network Rail, train operating companies, and others.

A Broader Vision for Oxford

This architectural contract sits within a wider vision to transform the Oxford Station area into a modern transport interchange and a gateway to the city. The project aims to accommodate future growth in both passenger and freight rail traffic, including new services via East West Rail that will see four trains an hour connecting Oxford directly to Cambridge.

The redevelopment also includes plans for a new through-track and platform, which will necessitate construction of a new station building. Oxford City Council is leading on complementary work through its West End and Osney Mead supplementary planning documents, which supersede earlier guidance issued in 2017.

Parallel to the masterplanning effort, Network Rail is already progressing separate station upgrades. These include a western entrance, reconfigured road layouts for improved pedestrian and cyclist safety, and a new rail bridge over Botley Road capable of accommodating double-decker buses.

Preliminary masterplan options for the station site and the adjacent Becket Street car park are currently under development. The outcome of this architectural procurement will play a critical role in shaping the final direction of the redevelopment.

Bids for the architectural contract are now open, with full details available through the UK government's procurement portal.