Photograph by Jack BoskettProposals to construct a new £14.95 million railway station at Okehampton Business Park have been approved by our Cabinet.
Backing from councillors yesterday (Wednesday 12 June) now enables the site to the east of the town to be developed for a new Okehampton Interchange railway station with a car park and connecting bridge.
The meeting heard that, “Devon is leading the way in building new stations and the Okehampton Interchange builds on the success of Okehampton Town Station which has exceeded all the projections for passenger numbers since it opened in 2021.”
More than 250,000 passengers travelled on the Dartmoor Line in its first 12 months and the new station is expected to attract around 164,000 passengers in its opening year.
The Okehampton Interchange scheme includes improved walking and cycling links, sheltered cycle parking, bus stop infrastructure and a car park with around 200 spaces. The car park will feature EV charging points and disabled parking bays.
The new station will potentially attract new business to the area and will increase the travel choices for education, leisure and work opportunities for residents in Okehampton and the wider area.
It will be close to the A30 junction and will serve the wider rural catchment of West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall. It will help reduce carbon emissions by converting several of the long distance journeys currently being made by car to rail.
The new station will be accessible for all, with a lift and suitable gradient ramps providing access to the single, 100m long platform. It will have an hourly service to Crediton and Exeter in one direction and an hourly service to Okehampton Town Station in the other.
Several local bus services will also be integrated with the new rail station improving travel choices and connectivity between Okehampton and Bude, Holsworthy, Tavistock and Exeter.
We’re working on the project in partnership with West Devon Borough Council.