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Could this be the station of the future?

New images have brought to life a future where stations will be places to shop and socialise and not simply catch a train.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has released the images from bpr architects, which illustrate Station Place, a concept based on the ‘Vision for Stations’ the RDG published last year.

The strategy is based on nine principles, including ‘intelligent use of technology’, ‘seamless journey experience’, ‘reflect local needs and opportunities’ and ‘safe and secure environment’.

Paul Plummer, chief executive of the RDG, said: “Britain’s stations have great potential not only as transport hubs but as places for local economies to flourish. Our Vision – aided by the Station Place concept - shows how stations can be more customer focussed, use technology more intelligently and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit in the communities that they serve.”

The images represent a station with ongoing transport links, including a bus stop and bicycle racks, and spaces being utilised for local businesses and a children’s playground.

The station is designed to allow clearer lines of sight so that passengers can view information screens, create a greater sense of security and allow seamless access for disabled passengers.

Paul Beatty-Pownall, director at bpr architects, said: “Station Place will reinstate stations as the focal point at the heart of the community they serve, enabling even the smallest stations to act as a hub and a catalyst for investment. The concept encourages design proposals to reflect their local context and capture the spirit of local aspirations.”

With passenger numbers at a record high, stations can certainly do more to provide a positive experience for passengers, and support their local communities. The Station Place concept provides an imaginative vision for how this can be realised.

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