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Station to shut for two years for platform revamp

NetworkRail The timber facade of Manchester Oxford Road looms above the entrance to the station. Passengers can be seen walking out from the ticket stiles below on to a paved concourse. Several high-rise buildings can be seen in the distance on a cloudy day.NetworkRail
Network Rail wants longer trains to be able to call at Manchester Oxford Road

A major railway station in Manchester will have to shut for an estimated two years as part of a planned overhaul, Network Rail has said.

Proposals for Manchester Oxford Road include increasing the length of platforms, and building a new footbridge and adding in lifts to improve accessibility.

Network Rail has launched a consultation on the plans and warned that construction could take two years to complete, though the estimate could change.

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said the revamp was needed to "ease congestion, increase capacity, and improve reliability" for commuters.

NetworkRail Railway tracks snake past Manchester Oxford Road train station, which is pictured from the sky. Cars can be seen park in the turning circle outside the station, with the view obstructed by the Kimpton Clocktower.NetworkRail
Bottlenecks are often caused at the station, which is major transport interchange

Trains will still be able to pass through the station during the work, which will mean neighbouring stations "will be busier than usual", a Network Rail spokesperson said.

The provider plans to work with local authorities and the station team to "manage increased passenger flows" while the work takes place, they added.

NetworkRail A computer-generated image of people stood by a widened train station platform under a curved wooden canopy. NetworkRail
The changes would see platform's expanded to improve accessibility

More than 4.6 million passengers used the city centre station between 2022 and 2023.

But the layout of the five platforms at the Grade II listed building limits the length of trains that can call there.

Network Rail has proposed remodelling the station to have three longer platforms to increase capacity, allowing for an extra 120 seats on trains calling in.

The changes would also see improvements to track and signalling to stop the bottlenecks caused by trains having to wait at nearby Deansgate station until platforms at Oxford Road are clear.

Network Rail said this would bring wider benefits to the reliability of trains across the region, with many services passing through the station.

The plans would also see step-free access, wider platforms, and improved lifts introduced to improve accessibility.

An initial consultation on the plans will be open until 28 February, with Network Rail hoping to submit finalised plans by spring 2026.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said he would encourage residents to submit their views as Manchester Oxford Road was an "iconic station" that was "one of the main gateways to the city".

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