Walsall Football Club played host to an inspiring day of celebration at the “Design a Railway Station Awards Ceremony”. The competition challenged over 100 students from across the West Midlands and Black Country to envision the railway station of 2030—free from budget constraints. This initiative encouraged participants to think big, push the boundaries of innovation, and design the future of rail travel.
The competition attracted a diverse group of students from SEN and mainstream schools and colleges, including:
- Halesbury School
- Wolverhampton College
- Penn Fields School
- Baginton Fields Academy
- Calshot Primary School
- Hive College
- Phoenix Collegiate
- Tettenhall Wood School
- King Edward VI Aston School
Recognising Future Innovators
Judging such a wealth of creativity was no small task. The esteemed panel included representatives from the West Midlands Combined Authority Careers Hub, Women in Rail, and leading organisations in the rail sector such as Balfour Beatty, RSS Infrastructure, Midlands Rail Alliance, Tended, Young Rail Professionals, Network Rail, and West Midlands Trains. Their collective expertise helped select the most visionary designs, highlighting the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of young minds.
A highlight of the event was a surprise appearance by Perry the Bull, the beloved mascot from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Perry delighted attendees and congratulated the students on their remarkable achievements, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already memorable day.
Voices of Encouragement
Monica Barbosa, Client Services Director at RSS Infrastructure, expressed her pride in the competition’s impact:
"This competition has been a shining example of what happens when we encourage young people to think beyond limits and dream big.”
“Their designs were imaginative, forward-thinking, and a real testament to the talent we have in the region. Well done to all the participants – you have made us incredibly proud! I can’t wait to see what next year brings."
Leanda Waring, Community Manager at Auctus Management Group, echoed these sentiments:
"What a fantastic showcase of creativity and innovation! It’s inspiring to see young minds pushing boundaries and coming up with such imaginative ideas. This competition truly highlights the incredible talent on display. Congratulations to all the participants – you've set the bar high! We are looking forward to seeing what the next competition brings."
A Celebration of Innovation
The Design a Railway Station Awards provided students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and served as a valuable platform to engage with the rail industry. The competition underscored the importance of innovation and imagination in shaping the future of transport while celebrating the incredible potential of the next generation.
A huge congratulations to all the students, teachers, colleges, and schools who took part – the future of rail looks bright with such talent leading the way!
Image credit: Auctus
