Sir — The case for making a proper job of the enlargement of Oxford station by moving it to a new site in the Oxpens is supported by its past history.
The Victorian wooden station was replaced in 1970 by a prefrabricated structure which was rightly criticised by the then President of the Royal Institute of British Architects as unworthy of the city.
It was inadequate from the start and had to be replaced by the present building.
The station again needs enlarging and the extension proposed seems likely to be as unsatisfactory as previous rebuilding, especially given the forecast growth of rail traffic and the planned electrification of the line to Paddington.
A completely new station in the Oxpens could be a major element in the renewal of the West End.
It could also be linked to the new central interchange point between local bus services which the city so badly needs, particularly as a help for the elderly. Moving the station would also reduce traffic movements across Frideswide Square.
If the sale of the land by the British Railways Board(Residuary) is allowed to go ahead, the decision will be short-sighted.
A new station is surely the kind of infrastructure investment for the future that will help to keep the economy and travellers moving.
Mark Barrington-Ward, Oxford
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