THE next company that runs the Great Western railway will be expected to take part in the planning of any new station for the city.

First Great Western currently operates the line but the franchise is to be reappointed next year.

In tender documents issued last week to firms bidding to run the region’s Rail services, the Department for Transport said: “Network Rail, Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council are reviewing a number of options for Oxford station, with which the franchisee will be expected to co-operate.”

Ideas under scrutiny include rebuilding and expansion of the existing station, or a new station just to the south adjacent to Oxpens.