Northampton, Nottingham, Belper and Ridgmont battle it out to be World Cup of Stations champton 2024

Britain’s railway stations are set to compete in the World Cup of Stations 2024, a competition that celebrates the importance of rail and its role in supporting communities, businesses and the economy. With 48 stations vying for the title, this year’s focus is on the businesses that make stations vital community hubs, driving local economies.   

This exciting competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group, will take place from 14 to 18 October, with the winner being announced on 22 October. 

This year’s competition will showcase the best stations in the country which have amazing local businesses either in their station or the surrounding area of the East Midlands and do a fantastic job supporting the communities they serve such as Harrogate, Huddersfield, York and Hull. 

Four stations feature in the East Midlands heat where you can vote for: Northampton, Nottingham, Belper and Ridgmont when voting opens on Tuesday 15 October at 8am and finishes at midnight. 

• With millions of passengers annually, Northampton is one of the Midlands' busiest stations. Recently renovated with a multi-million pound investment, its modern design is enhanced by its proximity to the University of Northampton's creative hub, the Northampton Innovation Centre. 
•  Cawa, an artisan coffee shop founded by three Ukrainian women, Hopkinsons, a vintage antiques and art center with a bar and coffee house, and Brew Tavern, a cozy micro-pub serving cask ales in one of Nottingham's quirkiest buildings. 
• Discover Belper, the vibrant market town at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Winner of the 2019 Great British High Street Awards, Belper boasts friendly independent shops, artisan bakeries, delicious delis, and unique stores. Explore markets set in a 200-year-old marketplace surrounded by historic buildings and structures. 
• Located on the scenic Marston Vale Line in Bedfordshire, Ridgmont features a charming heritage centre and tea room, showcasing fascinating railway artifacts and offering delicious refreshments. 

Join the fun and vote for your favourite station at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations. The competition will unfold in a series of online public votes, with three semi-finals on 17 October and a final on 18 October. 

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Local businesses in stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve, and we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales.  

“All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, and the variety of businesses at stations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the importance placed on supporting local businesses.” 

Martin McTague, National Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Railway stations up and down the country are home to a huge range of small firms, serving their local community, regular commuters and day trippers on a daily basis. These businesses contribute such a lot to our local economies and are a great source of employment. Not only do railway stations house an array of businesses, they are vital for providing visitors with easy access to local high streets, upping footfall and fostering trade. This competition is a great way to shine a light on the excellent and varied small firms based in and around transport hubs across the UK, showcasing the products and services they have to offer.”  

Lillian Greenwood, Member of Parliament for Nottingham South, said:  “I am delighted to support Nottingham station in this year's World Cup of Stations. Our beautiful historic station is the much-heralded gateway to our brilliant city and a fantastic transport interchange.

"Anyone who has hopped on or off a train, tram or bus at Nottingham  will be well aware of the bustling quality cafes, shops and pub we have on offer here. As a very frequent user of our station, I would encourage anyone to come and visit our great train station and city!”

Blake Stephenson, MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said: “I’m determined to make sure we celebrate Bedfordshire’s heritage and beauty to really put us on the map as a tourism destination and the World Cup of Stations is a fantastic opportunity to do just that for Ridgmont.

“Local railway stations are vital to local communities and with its picturesque surrounds and beautiful Heritage Centre and Tea Room, I encourage everybody to show their support for Ridgmont Station in the competition.

“And with ongoing £1 ticket promotion along the Marston Vale Lane, it’s the perfect time to head down to Ridgmont yourself and explore the route.”

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “The community rail movement is constantly striving to promote, enhance and transform stations for the benefit of local communities, including using half of Britain’s stations as sites for volunteering, providing spaces for community initiatives, running locally-led arts and nature projects, or improving sustainable travel confidence and connections.  

“A valuable part of this involves working with local businesses, and supporting and developing social enterprises, to stimulate access to opportunity, inclusive economic development and regeneration. We see the huge difference this makes to individuals, such as through work placements, skills development and social connectedness, and the boost it brings for local economies. We’re really pleased to be holding up these examples through this year’s World Cup of Stations.” 

Last year’s competition saw over 72,000 votes cast across 12 heats, with Wemyss Bay in Scotland taking the crown. This year, stations from all over the UK will compete, showcasing the best local businesses that make our train stations more than just places to catch a train. 

The World Cup of Stations 2024 is a celebration of the essential role that train stations play in supporting local economies. A recent report commissioned by Rail Delivery Group found that rail travel contributes in the region of £23bn annually to local high street around departure stations,  with £9bn specifically benefiting independent businesses. 

Train passengers in East Midlands are making a difference by spending on average £27 in towns and cities from which they depart and £6 per journey on independent businesses . With over 70% of people agreeing that having a train station helps their local economy thrive, the competition is a great way to highlight the importance of these local hubs. 

Don’t miss your chance to have your say in the World Cup of Stations 2024 and support the station that brings the best of local businesses to your community.