The father is still claiming it was perfectly safe.  It will be interesting to see what line BTP (or even social services) take on this.  I will not express my views on the father's attitude 

Indeed:

Due to a speed restriction because of high track temperatures at Oxford trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.
Impact: Train services running through this station may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 18:00 23/07.

That was certainly the case at Holborn Viaduct platforms 1 and 4 where the 8 coach trains had to creep up to the buffers to clear the points and track to let the other platform be used!    Ah - such memories!

IIRC, the land to the north of the station is owned by the Homes & Communities Agency, the land next to Bristol & Exeter House is owned by Skanska (unless they have sold it to the Council), and most of the island in the middle of the gyratory system is owned by the Council, although the old hotel is not.

The old Royal Mail site is currently owned by the Council too - I think the deal is that the Council demolish the Royal Mail building and thus absolve the University of any liability.

The plans for the replacement of the gyratory system proposed that the current station approach would end up pedestrianised, with an Engine Shed II complex where the old hotel is now.

Apart from that it's probably safe to say that subject to someone agreeing to pay for it:

1) There will be a new station building/shopping centre/car park on the HCA land to the north of the station with as large an office block on top of it as they can get away with.
2) There will be an eastern entrance into Temple Meads (although I don't think there was anything in the University's master plan)
3) The old trainshed platforms will be reinstated (albeit after the signal box is removed and foot traffic re-routed)

The 11,000 new homes are presumably going on the land around Avon Street on the east side of the river, which presumably will be a nice little earner for the Council if it owns any of the land.   

 

A non rail expert's (my daughter) opinion of new GWR rolling stock. Her journey home from Chippenham to Kent today.





One plus point - she liked not having to reach outside to open the doors.

It is Midsomer Junction actually.  The platform sign is in our crew coach at Princes Risborough

I don't think I'd risk alighting there - apparently only Midsomer Parkway has more sudden deaths by hideous accident.

The story with regard to Trowbridge goes on its now an item on this lunchtimes BBC Points West,be interesting to see how it comes over !.

I've heard it said that in the days of slam-door stock, the morning peak arrivals into Waterloo were always empty by the time the wheels stopped turning.

A fair few also got injured on the platform when doors were opened on incoming trains by those wanting to gain a few extra seconds.