A landmark event took place on 4^th December to mark the launch of Regenerating Railway Stations, a collaborative publication that explores innovative approaches to revitalising premises on stations and unlocking their potential for community use.

The book is the result of a unique partnership between Hampshire Community Rail Partnership, Avon Construction, and EP Architects, bringing together expertise in community engagement, construction, and design. It also features valuable contributions from industry leaders, including Dean Pettitt of South Western Railway and Ian Chalmers from Amey Property Commercialisation & Insights.  Ian shared insights into the leasing process and requirements once community groups have commenced occupation.

The launch event highlighted the book’s central theme: transforming stations into vibrant, accessible hubs that serve as catalysts for community benefit.  The book is aimed to assist Community Rail Partnerships, Station ‘Friends’ or Adoption Groups, Community Groups who operate throughout the Country and anyone that wishes to improve their own community.   The book showcases examples of successful schemes completed on the South Western Railway at Bitterne, Shawford, Petersfield, Swaythling and Woolston stations.  Attendees praised the collaborative effort behind the publication, noting its practical case studies and forward-thinking recommendations for station enhancements.

The introduction to the event was a recording from Tim Hedley-Jones of Railway Heritage with contributions from Nick Farthing of Hampshire CRP who emphasised the importance of partnerships in delivering successful regeneration projects. The book aims to inspire stakeholders across the rail industry to work together in creating stations that are not only functional but also welcoming and used as hubs for the local community.

Regenerating Railway Stations is now available through participating organisations and is expected to become a key resource for groups interested in leasing unused premises for community use.