Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council and Great Western Railway (GWR) have jointly purchased a plot of land next to Moreton-in-Marsh Railway Station.

Thanks to a change in the regulations around purchasing land, GWR can now jointly purchase land with other organisations.

When the opportunity to buy a brownfield (a site that has previously been developed but no longer occupied) in Moreton-in-Marsh next to the town’s railway station arose, the rail operator and local council got in touch to look at the future potential of the site.

Following discussions, both parties each provided 50% of the total purchase price.

The long-term plan is to develop a transport hub next to the existing station to reduce both CO2 emissions and congestions around the town, making visits to the High Street easier.

Phase One of the project is hopefully due to start the planning process soon, which, if completed, would 50 additional car parking and 50 cycle parking spaces created.

Chair of Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council Councillor Eileen Viviani MBE said: “We are delighted to see this investment in Moreton. It is an important step forward in our long term plan to reduce congestion and improve our High Street for residents and visitors alike.

“This follows on from our consultation with residents in the summer and is great news for the local economy, for the environment and for residents.”

Business Development Director for GWR Tom Pierpoint said: “Purchasing the land with the Town Council means that we can now work with them and with Cotswold District and Gloucestershire County Council to develop integrated travel solutions. We are committed to this area. We want to see Moreton-in-Marsh thrive, and you cannot get more rooted in the community than by buying land here.”

Cotswolds District Council Leader Councillor Joe Harris said: “This is great news for Moreton-in-Marsh. The District Council is keen to see investment into communities such as Moreton that haven’t had the infrastructure they deserve despite lots of housing being built. The purchase will not only help improve the town but will also mean better transport options for the North Cotswolds. It is a bold move and one we are happy to support; we now look forward to working in partnership with the Town Council and GWR to develop ideas for the integrated transport hub.”

Cabinet Member Environment and Planning at Gloucestershire County Council Councillor Nigel Moor said: “Gloucestershire County Council are keen supporters of the North Cotswolds Line Task Force who have ambitious plans to improve rail services for Moreton and the whole of the North Cotswolds line. This investment supports those plans, and it is great to see Moreton at the forefront of improvements, particularly those that support reductions in carbon. We are delighted to be part of the group now working to take forward plans for the site, and I congratulate the Town Council and GWR on making this important first step.”

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