We received the great news that our “Take the Train to Oke” project has been awarded £10,930.00 from the Great Western Railway Community Fund. This will be topped up by £2000 of additional contributions.
This project supports the opening and ongoing use of Okehampton Interchange, while also strengthening connections with Okehampton Station, by improving how visitors arrive, orientate themselves, and connect with Okehampton town centre, local businesses & attractions, Dartmoor access and onward travel options.
The project addresses social need by reducing barriers faced by first-time and infrequent rail users, including older residents, young people and visitors unfamiliar with Okehampton. Clear, welcoming signage and wayfinding across both Okehampton stations will reduce anxiety, improve confidence and encourage greater use of rail as a sustainable alternative to car travel, particularly in the context of known road congestion and access constraints.
Key elements of the project include:
- A permanent orientation and information board at Okehampton Interchange, designed in the same style as existing town signage, welcoming visitors and clearly showing the town centre, local services, walking and cycling routes, and access to Dartmoor National Park.
• Updated printed promotional materials (leaflets and posters) linking both Okehampton Interchange and Okehampton Station to the town, walking and cycling routes and services, building on existing collaborative materials developed with local authorities.
• A “Travel on the Train to Oke” digital and social media campaign promoting rail-based journeys, showcasing ease of travel, local businesses, activities and events through short-form video, photography and reusable digital content.
• Installation of four wooden waymarking posts, with two located at Okehampton Interchange and two at Okehampton Station, featuring modifiable directional signs guiding visitors into town, towards local businesses and towards Dartmoor access points.
The project will be delivered by the Okehampton BID and is supported by strong local partnerships, including Okehampton Town Council, Okehampton College, Dartmoor National Park Association and the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, ensuring alignment with local priorities and established rail promotion activity. Devon County Council will provide in-kind support through its media and communications team, extending the reach of promotion via press, digital and social channels at no additional cost.
Anticipated outcomes include increased rail use to Okehampton, improved transport options for local businesses, improved visitor confidence, increased town centre footfall and spend, and stronger integration between rail, walking, cycling and existing local bus services.
The project will leave a lasting legacy through permanent infrastructure with a long lifespan, reusable digital assets, strengthened partnerships, and enhanced local capacity to promote sustainable travel beyond the funding period.
We look forward to getting started and will be keeping you up to date as we progress.
