The local community group, Wantage and Grove Station Supporters, is actively working towards the reopening of the station that was closed in 1964.
A petition supporting the station’s reopening has gathered over 2,100 signatures, experiencing significant growth in recent weeks.
In September 2023, the proposal for a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for reopening the Grove station received unanimous approval from local councils, initiated by Cllr Jane Hanna OBE and Cllr Jenny Hannaby.
This week, Cllr Hanna provided an update, stating: “The business case is underway and is due in the Autumn.”
Campaign founder, Andy Holding, shared his enthusiasm: “It is exciting times for many residents in south Oxfordshire—particularly in Grove, Wantage, and the surrounding communities who are eager for the station to reopen as soon as possible.
“I’ve been informed by a councillor that with our community’s ongoing housing developments, the local population is expected to exceed 43,000.
“The station in Grove is thus crucial for alleviating road congestion, especially towards Oxford and Didcot, where many commuters currently drive.
“Additionally, while a new rail service to London is a possibility, it’s ultimately up to train operators to decide.
“Currently, the plan is for a service traveling from Bristol, Bath, and Swindon to Grove, then onto Didcot or Oxford.
“A rail industry expert estimates that Grove Station could serve two million passengers annually, positioning it as a major station in South Oxfordshire, after Didcot Parkway but ahead of Culham, Radley, and Appleford stations.
“With the expansion and acquisition of the Grove Business Park, contributing 2,500+ jobs close to the potential station, the demand for reopening is high. Moreover, Williams Racing is expanding with a workforce exceeding 1,000.
“Every district councillor in Oxfordshire supports the commissioning of the SOBC study for the reopening of Grove station.”
Oxfordshire County Council is collaborating with Vale of White Horse to draft plans for a new station in Grove, engaging SLC Rail to conduct an initial feasibility assessment. The assessment suggested that a new Wantage and Grove station would provide “high value for money”.
Mr. Holding further mentioned, “The SOBC is slated to begin this month and conclude by Autumn 2025. Upon completion, it will be reviewed by all stakeholders, including the Department for Transport.
“I’m confident that strong business rationale will advance the project to successive stages, securing the station’s revival to bolster our infrastructure.”
Public demand for a Grove train station is growing, with local MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, expressing strong support. He championed the cause during Prime Minister’s Questions in September, appealing to Sir Keir Starmer for backing, which led to a meeting with Lord Hendy, Minister for Rail, in November to discuss the station’s reopening.
Glover stressed: “Wantage and Grove have seen significant housing and population growth, underscoring a clear necessity for a local station.
“Investing in dependable, safe, and efficient public transport is vital for supporting current businesses such as Williams Racing and others at the burgeoning Grove Business Park.
“Road congestion on commutes to Oxford and Didcot frequently exasperates residents, and a new rail service would offer a much faster and more reliable option.”
Adding weight to the ongoing efforts, MP Glover remarked, “I regularly engage with county council leadership about the necessity of a Grove station and am pleased by their progress on a feasibility study.
“The strong support for the petition bolsters the unified call for necessary funding and commitment at local, regional, and national levels to expedite the construction of this vital infrastructure as soon as possible.”
He praised the campaign group for their persistent and dedicated advocacy over the years.
