Overview
- The Treasury confirmed £120 million to reopen Oxford’s Cowley Branch Line with new stations at Cowley and Littlemore as part of a £500 million corridor package.
- Rail officials set an operational goal of 2029–2030 for the Cowley line, with construction not expected before 2026 and a planned twice-hourly service linking into Oxford and London Marylebone.
- Up to £400 million is earmarked to kickstart development in Cambridge focused on affordable homes, infrastructure and business growth.
- The government will consult on a centrally led development corporation for Cambridge as the Cambridge Growth Company begins recruiting a chief executive, while local leaders seek clear delivery plans and safeguards on affordability and utilities.
- The Ellison Institute detailed a major Oxford expansion forecasting more than £10 billion over the next decade and capacity for up to 7,000 people, with officials projecting up to 10,000 jobs linked to the rail scheme.