A vibrant new public artwork by Oxford illustrator Chris Shipton is set to transform the pedestrian walkway between Oxford Station and West Oxford from 13 November 2025. Commissioned by Network Rail as part of the ongoing Oxfordshire Connect project, the installation brings colour, clarity and storytelling to residents, commuters and visitors while major works to replace the Botley Road bridge continue until August 2026.
The project has been led by Giles Clark, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, and aims to both acknowledge the disruption caused by the essential engineering works and celebrate the history, community and creativity of West Oxford.
Replacing the Botley Road bridge is a major undertaking that has required extended road closures and significant construction activity. To help the public better understand the scale and value of the works, Shipton was commissioned to develop a series of modular illustrations for the hoardings lining the temporary access route.
“A project of this scale has huge impact and often the extraordinary story is lost behind the disruption,” says Shipton. “These illustrations are here to help us understand what’s happening, what’s being achieved, and what makes West Oxford so special.”
Clark adds: “From our regular meetings with local residents, businesses and councillors, we understand the impact the project is having. While we’re working seven days a week to reopen Botley Road in August 2026, Chris’s artwork brings to life what’s happening behind the hoardings and highlights what a fascinating place West Oxford is.”
He also confirmed that since resetting the programme in January, all key milestones have been met, including the recent opening of the improved walkway, which enhances access for all.
One section of the artwork charts key stages of the construction process, from the discovery of a hidden Victorian arch to the installation of new sewer and water connections, and the complex manoeuvre to slide newly built concrete structures into position while rail services continued to operate.
This illustrated timeline aims to give passers-by a clearer understanding of why the works are essential and how they support future rail capacity, including the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line and East West Rail.
The second half of Shipton’s commission celebrates the people, places and stories that define West Oxford. Developed through months of conversations with residents and businesses, as well as extensive walks through the neighbourhood, the artwork highlights everything from Osney Lock and the Hydro to Eddie the heron, Ruskin’s Road, the historic Signal Elm and local pilgrimage spots such as the healing well.
“This project has been a genuine journey,” Shipton says. “I thought I knew West Oxford, but working on this made me look again and fall in love with places I’d taken for granted.”
Hand-drawn and digitally enhanced, the modular designs can be repurposed beyond their initial installation, offering flexibility for use as posters, infographics or digital content. The vinyl panels will remain in place until the hoardings are removed and reused elsewhere.
The artwork will be installed on 13 November 2025. It forms part of the wider Oxfordshire Connect programme, which is delivering major upgrades to Oxford Station and surrounding rail and road infrastructure. These improvements will provide more rail capacity, support East West Rail, and improve local travel for residents, businesses and visitors.
