As the sole remaining ‘steam age’ structure on the Watford to St Albans Abbey branch line, the Bricket Wood Station Heritage Trust recognised that the station building was in much need of restoration. The Trust had a vision to not only restore the fabric of the building, but to also breathe new life into the station and create a space that could be used by the local community, in turn encouraging more people to visit the area by train and stimulate greater social inclusion and interaction.

From the outset the project involved a wide range of stakeholders, including the local parish and district councils, West Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Railway Heritage Trust, Network Rail, and local residents’ associations. Seed funding enabled the Trust to be set up as a membership charity, plans to be drawn up by a local architect, and planning permissions to be sought.

The restoration ran between May 2022 and August 2023. The station opened to the public, one of its key features being an Edwardian style tearoom, open from Wednesday to Saturday and operated on behalf of the Trust by a local businesswoman – opening day attracted over 200 people alone. Outside of the team room, the building is available for community hire, and includes a room for the storage of the village archive, with regular weekly drop-in study sessions now being run by the local history society. The hard work and dedication of the Bricket Wood Station Heritage Trust has quickly established the station as a desirable place to meet and get involved with community activity.

The Bishopstone Station Community Hub has gone from strength to strength over the past year. With crowdfunding and grants from the rail industry and Railway Heritage Trust, the Old Parcels Room was transformed with new windows, exterior signs, and kitchen space, all honouring the station’s original art deco features. Since reopening post-refurbishment in November 2022, the station has served as an accessible hub and meeting space, hosting events ranging from yoga classes, history talks and language tuition. The refurbished station space is a welcome fixture within the community, providing a vibrant, warm space for all to enjoy.

The renovation of Hollingbourne Station drew on ideas from the whole community about how they wanted to see the station placed back into the heart of daily life. What was once a neglected, unsafe place is now a thriving hub of activity. The station space offers a café, village shop, and general meeting place for all ages, and has hosted events including pop-up cinemas, Christmas fayres and art exhibitions. Thanks to the work of the CRP, the Station at Hollingbourne has provided a much-needed boost for local residents and is now the go-to venue for community events.