East West Rail ‘absolutely critical’ for Bicester Village

The designer shopping destination, which attracts more than seven million visitors annually, has described the scheme as “absolutely critical” to boost future tourism growth.

East West Rail (EWR) is expected to improve connectivity across the region, making it easier for visitors to travel between key destinations, including Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.

John Durnin, group retail director at Bicester Village, said: “East West Rail is absolutely critical for us to be able to build on what we have already generated.

Bicester Village (Image: Contributed)

“We will be able to extend across the region, invite more guests and visitors to this region, which will not only build our own growth and economy, but I think will also help the region’s growth and economy.”

The project, which aims to boost tourism and economic activity by improving transport links across the counties between Oxford and Cambridge, is expected to contribute £6.7 billion annually to regional economies by 2050.

Lesley Wright, head of marketing and partnership services at Experience Oxfordshire, said: “It’s been over 50 years since Oxford and the county has been connected from the east by rail, so we’re really excited to hear about these developments.

“It will allow the towns of Bedford, Milton Keynes and Bicester to be connected into Oxford and the wider county, and, of course, the two university cities of Oxford and Cambridge to be connected.

“We’re excited that East West Rail will bring increased footfall into Oxford and Oxfordshire, supporting local visitor economy businesses and bringing growth into the region.”

Bicester Village is already the UK’s second largest tourist destination after Buckingham Palace, but the new railway line is expected to increase visitor numbers further, supporting retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses across Oxfordshire.

Once the whole route to Cambridge is opened up, EWR will link with five major rail routes: the Midland Main Line, West Coast Main Line, East Coast Main Line, West Anglia Main Line, and connections to the Great Western Railway.

David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company, said: “East West Rail will improve connectivity and drive economic growth, enabling people to travel easily and sustainably to the wide variety of tourist destinations along the route, from both nearby locations and further afield.

“The UK’s first Universal Studios will be a huge visitor attraction on the East West Rail route and we look forward to people using EWR to travel to this new theme park and other tourist destinations between Oxford and Cambridge.”