Get behind your local station in the South East

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.    

Four stations feature in the South East heat where you can vote for: Emsworth, Hollingbourne, Lewes or Oxford Parkway when voting opens on Monday 14 October at 8am and finishes at midnight.  

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 and do a fantastic job supporting the communities they serve.   

Some of the local businesses that serve the four stations include: 

 Runaway Cafe at Lewes station has long been a favourite stop for travellers famous for its legendary bacon sandwiches, this coffee shop is a lively forum for discussion and debate. 

Queenies Vintage Tearoom and Bar at Emsworth offers nostalgic ambience that becomes a speakeasy on Friday nights. Delight in a selection of freshly made deep-filled sandwiches, loaded waffles and a variety of sweet treats 

Yarnton Home and Garden located just north of Oxford, is an award-winning store offering a delightful Magic Garden for children, a plant and garden shop, and a boutique with home interiors, gifts, and clothing.  

The Signal Box Café was renovated by Community Interest Company at Hollingbourne station and is community space brings people together that hosts a variety of events, from yoga classes to film nights.

Join the fun and vote for your favourite station at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations. The competition will unfold in a series of online public votes on 14 October, with 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.”  

Alan Mak, Member of Parliament for Havant said:  "Queenie's Vintage Tearoom is a real step back in time and has proved to be very popular with rail users and local residents.

"I'm delighted that Emsworth Railway Station has been shortlisted in the World Cup of Stations and that a successful local business is being highlighted in this national initiative.

"I urge people to vote for Emsworth - let's make it officially the best station in the country!"

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.”   

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 Great Britain 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 the South East are making a difference by spending on average of £60 in towns and cities from which they depart and £13 per journey on independent businesses. With 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. 

Ashdown Radio Friday, 11 October