Devon’s newest train station, Okehampton Interchange, was unveiled today ahead of passenger services starting tomorrow morning (Saturday 1 August).
Joanna Grew, Route Strategy Director for Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR), Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council (DCC), Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, DCC’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity and Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council were among those who marked the occasion.
Okehampton Interchange is the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, providing improved access to rail services connecting communities in West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and destinations across the wider rail network.
The station complements the existing Okehampton Town station and builds on strong community backing for the reopening of the Dartmoor Line, which saw the return of daily passenger services in 2021 through the Government’s Restoring Your Railway programme, more than 50 years after regular services were withdrawn.
Passenger demand far exceeded projections, achieving over 0.5 million journeys within the first two years of operation.
Designed to support integrated and sustainable journeys, the new station features a 200-space car park, sheltered cycle storage and a covered bus interchange, with electric vehicle charging points coming soon. Step-free access is provided throughout via ramps, lifts and a footbridge.
Okehampton Interchange is a £18 million investment made possible through £13.5m of UK Government funding following a successful bid by West Devon Borough Council. Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council have provided match funding.
The project has brought together a number of partners, with Network Rail overseeing delivery of the station through their contractor Octavius. Devon County Council has led the delivery of walking, cycling and bus facilities on Hameldown Road, constructed by Kennford Tarmacadam, and the environmental work through its consultants WSP.
The station is also expected to deliver significant economic benefits. Research shows railway stations across the South West could support up to 238,000 jobs and contribute £14.25 billion to the economy by 2035.
Okehampton Interchange and Marsh Barton station, which opened in 2023, are together projected to generate around 1,500 permanent jobs and contribute approximately £112 million annually to the local economy over the next decade.
Councilor Jacqi Hodgson, DCC’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity and Transport said:
“The opening of Okehampton Interchange is a proud moment for everyone who has worked so hard to deliver this new station, and to do so so soon after the successful reopening of the Dartmoor Line. With convenient access from the A30 and strong bus connections, the station will make rail travel more accessible for communities across a wider catchment area, while helping to ease traffic pressures in Okehampton. Local residents will also benefit from attractive walking and cycling links, making it easier to choose sustainable ways to travel.”
Joanna Grew, Route Strategy Director for Network Rail and GWR, said:
“It’s fantastic to see Okehampton Interchange open and ready to welcome its first passengers. The Dartmoor Line has already made a real difference since services returned in 2021, and this new station is another important step in making rail travel easier and more accessible for all across the region.” “We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved through close partnership working and excited to see the difference this station will make for local people, businesses and visitors alike.”
Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, said:
“This is a significant moment for Okehampton and West Devon. The new station is an investment in our future, by creating better connections to jobs, education, healthcare, leisure and services, while supporting local businesses, tourism and greener travel. It shows what strong partnership working can achieve, and we are proud to have helped deliver this important project. More than a station launch, this is a statement of confidence in Okehampton, West Devon and the future of our rural communities.”
ENDS