Didcot Station - Latest Developments

Station Forecourt Improvements

As you may be aware the Council and Oxfordshire County Council have agreed a funding package to allow a comprehensive improvement of the forecourt and east and west car parks of Didcot Parkway Station. Currently the forecourt service road is used by all of the users of the station which cause disruption , jams and is generally unsafe especially for pedestrians who have to cross the pathway of numerous vehicles in order to get anywhere!

The improvements will create a pedestrian friendly area, increase the number of bus stops, remove conflicting users from the front of the station and generally make the station forecourt area more attractive and user friendly place for visitors to and residents of Didcot.

The current service road area will be lengthened to accommodate 4 bus stops and a covered walkway will be provided from the bus stops to the station entrance.

The west car park will be levelled and be dedicated for disabled drivers, dropping off and picking up and the taxi rank. It will also be used for bus replacement services when the trains are not running. Covered pedestrian walkways will also be provided to the taxi rank. New cycle storage facilities will also be housed here and the current disabled access to the platforms will be upgraded. The entrance and exit will be moved west along Station Road so as not to conflict with the Buses.

The east car park will be re worked  and the entrance and exit moved east along station road so as not to conflict with the buses.

Between the bus drop off area and the west car park the area will be pedestrianised to allow easy access and egress for users of the station who are on foot.

Finally a comprehensive drainage system designed in consultation with the Environment Agency will relieve the frequent flooding of the current forecourt but also ensure that the flooding problem isn’t just transferred elsewhere. The extensive underground works required for this element will cause most of the disruption as the works progress and have also contributed greatly to the overall cost.

The works have started with the demolition of the redundant buildings of the west of the station. The main improvement work will start in the autumn as the Jubilee and the Olympics mean that the station will be exceptionally busy over the summer months. Obviously there will be disruption caused by the works but it is hoped to keep this to a minimum over the expected 18 months of the contract.

Creating a gateway to Didcot

Many local people feel that the first impression of Didcot when visitors leave the station is not very good. The Council would like to see the site opposite the station redeveloped so that a welcoming gateway to Didcot and Science Vale UK is created. 

The Homes and Communities Agency are supporting the Council's plans for the successful growth of Didcot and have purchased several properties opposite the railway station to help in overcoming some of the issues that stand in the way of a comprehensive and appropriate redevelopment.

The Homes and Communities Agency and the Council are now working on a masterplan for the future of the site and will be consulting with local people once draft plans have been prepared.