OXFORD Youth Hostel wants a greater role in the £75m redevelopment of Oxford Station amid concerns about its future.

Plans put forward by Network Rail would see the Youth Hostels Association’s (YHA) building in Botley Road demolished and the organisation relocated.

The railway firm has offered to find it alternative premises, but YHA chief executive Caroline White has warned the organisation had still not been made any formal offers.

Mrs White told the Oxford Mail: “We have identified sites the steering group have earmarked for potential hotel or commercial development within the plan that we deem very suitable for a replacement hostel.

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“We have also looked at some land adjacent to the master plan site that would also be in the right place for a new YHA Oxford.

“We still, however, have no clarity on timescales and no formal offer to progress these opportunities.

“As YHA Oxford is such an important site for the charity, forward planning at this stage is very difficult.”

Buildings for commercial use would be built as part of the scheme. Two are to go where the current station stands, as well as another next to the bus terminal.

The YHA said it would consider one of those buildings as suitable for its new hostel.

It had not yet been given assurances that it would be given a temporary building during construction, Mrs White said.

The building, which is owned by the YHA, has not yet been issued with a compulsary purchase order, which would force the company to move from the building.

Mrs White said Network Rail would compensate the YHA for the building if it were demolished.

She added: “YHA welcomes thousands of visitors to Oxford each year, including many young people, and we want this to continue for many years.

“As a strategic landowner within the boundaries of the master plan we would like to be part of the project steering group.”

The redevelopment of Oxford’s railway station is due to take place in the next five years.

Network Rail unveiled its masterplan in August, but is still drawing up a more detailed plan for the project.

The scheme will see the current railway station demolished and replaced with a three-storey building, facing Frideswide Square – which is also set to be overhauled.

A new bus terminal would be built on the south side of Botley Road, opposite the station building.

Network Rail spokesman Julian Burnell said the firm was in regular contact with the YHA.

He said: “We will be meeting them again before Christmas to examine possible locations for relocation and formalising our financial and other commitments to them.

“We value their input and will be keeping them closely involved at all stages.”

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