Oxford Businesses Receive £850,000 Goodwill Payments Over Botley Road Disruption

The government has confirmed up to £850,000 in goodwill payments for small local businesses in Oxford affected by the prolonged closure of Botley Road due to the Oxford Station Enhancements Project. The road has been closed since April 2023 and is now expected to fully reopen in August 2026 after delays caused by complex pipework and the discovery of a Victorian-era arch. Rail Minister Lord Hendy, who visited the site, acknowledged the hardship caused by the delays and stressed that while the payments cannot undo all the difficulties faced, they recognize the disruption. Progress has resumed following a project reset in January 2025, with milestones such as the early completion of a new clean water pipe and plans to reopen a new cycle and walkway in August 2025. The total project cost has risen from £161 million to £231 million, with additional funding required for further station improvements, including a new western entrance and Platform 5 to support East West Rail links. Local MP Layla Moran welcomed the payments as a step toward repairing the damage to businesses, though some residents and campaigners feel the support does not fully compensate for all losses experienced.