World-Famous Architect to Design New Train Station in England

This blog post explains the recent announcement that Foster + Partners will design the new Littlemore train station. The station will serve the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) campus on the outskirts of Oxford.

It outlines the project’s context within the government-backed reopening of the disused Cowley branch line. The post also highlights billionaire Larry Ellison’s funding for the EIT and what this development means for Oxford as a growing innovation and research hub.

Project overview: Littlemore station and the EIT campus

The Littlemore station will be part of a broader scheme to reconnect the Cowley branch line. This will link local neighbourhoods with central Oxford and London.

The station is being designed to serve the new Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) campus. The campus is an ambitious science and research complex on the Oxford Science Park with the potential for significant economic and social impact.

Foster + Partners’ role and the design brief

Foster + Partners is known globally for projects such as the Gherkin, Wembley Stadium, and the Millennium Bridge. The firm has been commissioned to design the Littlemore station and will also work on the architecture for the EIT campus.

Their involvement brings design prestige and experience in integrating transport infrastructure with research facilities. A station designed by Foster + Partners suggests attention to passenger flow and material longevity.

The design will likely focus on clear wayfinding, weather-protected waiting areas, accessibility, and visual connections to the campus. This approach aims to balance functional transit needs with a welcoming public space.

Why this matters for Oxford’s transport and innovation ecosystem

Reopening the Cowley branch line is more than a rail project. It is an opportunity for transit-oriented development that supports local communities and the expanding research economy around Oxford.

The new Littlemore station is a key part of this plan. It will enable sustainable commuting and strengthen links between research, industry, and the city.

Economic, research, and community benefits

The EIT campus, funded by Larry Ellison, will house over 300,000 square feet of laboratories, teaching spaces, and communal areas. It will also include a state-of-the-art cancer research clinic.

The combined development of the campus and station is expected to generate nearly 7,000 jobs. This will deliver high-skilled employment and broader economic benefits for the region.

Key project highlights include:

• Transit connectivity: Reopening the Cowley branch line to improve rail access between suburbs, central Oxford, and London.
• Research infrastructure: A large EIT campus focused on practical solutions in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and AI.
• Community impact: Job creation, local economic benefits, and better mobility for residents.
• Health innovation: A dedicated cancer research clinic supported by Ellison.

Design considerations and opportunities

There are several opportunities to maximize the value of Littlemore station beyond being a simple stop. Thoughtful integration with the campus masterplan will help deliver a seamless user experience and long-term resilience.

Practical recommendations

Key design and engineering priorities should include accessibility and active travel links such as cycling and walking. Real-time passenger information is also important, along with provisions for future capacity increases.

Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems will help align the station with the research campus’s ambitions in energy and climate-related innovation.

 
Here is the source article for this story: One of the most famous architects in the world is set to build a new train station in England