Bicester’s rail links are set to improve greatly in the next few years thanks to major railway projects now under way that will bring a huge transport boost to people living in the area. Homebuyers seeking to purchase a property in a well-connected location should consider Kingsmere, a landmark new community being created on the outskirts of Bicester by Countryside Properties.
Chiltern Railways has begun work on its £150m plan to create a new Oxford to London service via Bicester into Marylebone, while plans to create the new East West Rail link have moved forward with the go ahead given to reopen the section of line between Bicester and Bletchley.
Kingsmere is located less than two miles from Bicester North station and even closer to Bicester Town station, which will be served by the improved rail links. Those commuting into London will benefit from upgraded services with construction currently under way to connect the railway at Bicester to the Chiltern mainline, improving speed and frequency of trains into Marylebone. Bicester Town station will be redeveloped, providing a new gateway to the town close to Kingsmere and the Bicester Village retail area.
Additionally the creation of the new Oxford Parkway station near Kidlington will mean better rail links to and from Oxford. Chiltern Railway services between Marylebone and Oxford via Bicester are expected to start running in 2015.
Andrew Carrington, Director of Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited comments: “Bicester is located in a fantastically central location, mid-way between London and Birmingham and geographically at the heart of England. The new rail improvements under way will make Bicester even better connected, cutting travel times to many destinations, putting Bicester within an easy commute of a much wider area and making communities such as Kingsmere all the more desirable. This investment into rail links will bring a direct positive impact to local people and businesses.”
The creation of Chiltern Railways’ London to Oxford connection also forms the first link in the proposed East West Rail plans with both routes using the section of line between Bicester and Oxford. Bicester is a pivotal point on the East West Rail project that proposes once again to create a direct rail link between Oxford and Cambridge.By the end of 2017 the first phase will deliver direct services from Bicester through to Milton Keynes and Bedford. Projections by the Oxford Economics think tank estimate that the East West Rail project will help stimulate the local economy by £38m a year and create 12,000 jobs. Chiltern Railways is now working in partnership with the East West Rail team and Network Rail on plans to upgrade the track and stations.
Not only is Kingsmere well connected, it is already establishing itself as a contemporary new village offering a wide range of amenities and facilities of its own. Set in an attractive location on the outskirts of Bicester, it offers a range of imaginatively designed new homes from leading housebuilders Taylor Wimpey, Bellway, Bovis and David Wilson Homes.
As part of the creation of this sustainable new community, a wide range of new facilities are planned including shops, a community centre, public house, hotel, primary and secondary schools, a GP surgery, sporting facilities, parkland and play areas, all set amid extensive green open spaces. In addition to the fantastic rail connections, for those who also need to travel by car, Kingsmere is just three miles from junction 9 of the M40. Kingsmere is also located adjacent to the highly popular Bicester Village shopping area and within walking distance of Bicester town centre.
