Harrogate, Huddersfield, York, and Hull Battle it out to be World Cup of Stations Champion 2024

Posted By: Christopher Morganon: October 14, 2024In: Current Affairs, News, Regional News

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By Joshua Robinson –

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.

Hosted by Rail Delivery Group, this competition will take place from Monday 14th to Friday 18th October, with the winner announced on Tuesday 22nd October.

This year’s competition will showcase the best stations in the country which have local businesses either in their station or the surrounding area of Yorkshire and The Humber and support the communities they serve such as Harrogate, Huddersfield, York, and Hull.

People can vote for Harrogate, Huddersfield, York, and Hull in the Yorkshire and The Humber category:

Harrogate Soap Company has been serving Harrogate visitors by rail for years, with its soaps, bath time luxuries, and relaxing treats.
The Head of Steam pub, which has a direct entrance from Platform 1, is a favourite with commuters and locals alike.
The Antiques Centre York is a short walk from the station in the heart of the ancient and historic street of Stonegate, in York city centre. The store is home to antiques and jewellery, which belong to a carefully curated community of dealers who each have their passions and specialities.
Can the former winner of the City of Culture, win the title of the station with the best local businesses? Located in the city centre, Hull Station is a gateway to a mix of museums, shopping, and nightlife.

People can vote for their favourite station at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations. The competition will unfold in a series of online public votes, with three semi-finals on 17th October and a final on 18th 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.”

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 local businesses.

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 Yorkshire and The Humber are making a difference by spending on average £32 in towns and cities from which they depart and £8 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.