Two London railway stations have been shortlisted for a national award recognising the stations making a difference to their local communities.
South Tottenham and St Pancras International are among 20 finalists in the Rail Delivery Group’s annual World Cup of Stations competition, which celebrates this year’s theme of “creating connections that matter”.
The public vote gives passengers and residents the chance to support their favourite station.
The public now has its chance to support their favourite station.
The shortlist was selected by a judging panel following more than 150 nominations from across Britain.
While St Pancras International is known for its grand Victorian architecture, restaurants and international rail connections, South Tottenham has earned recognition for its efforts to transform an overlooked space into a community garden.
The north London Overground station has seen station assistants Ray McDonagh and Azaz Khan help create a sensory garden on previously unused land.
The space provides a welcoming environment where schoolchildren with special educational needs, older people and residents living with dementia can spend time outdoors and connect with nature.
South Tottenham station is served by London Overground trains on the Suffragette line
TfL
The garden has become an example of how railway stations can serve as more than simply places to catch a train, providing a shared space for people in the surrounding community.
Meanwhile, St Pancras International has been recognised for the way it brings people together through its architecture, amenities and role as a major international transport hub.
The station connects London with destinations across Europe through Eurostar services, while its shops, cafes and restaurants make it a destination in its own right.
Its communal pianos and seasonal displays, including its popular Christmas decorations, also help create an atmosphere that encourages people to spend time in the station beyond their journeys.
St Pancras connects London with destinations across Europe
Both stations are competing in the southern division of the contest alongside Brookwood in Surrey and Bishopstone in East Sussex.
The 20 shortlisted stations are split into five regional groups, with the leading station from each group progressing to the final stage following a further round of voting on Wednesday evening.
Voting closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, October 18, with the overall winner due to be announced on Tuesday, October 20.
Dan Mann, co-chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said the competition was an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of the railway.
He said: This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of our railways.
“The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive.
“Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.
“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.
“This is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year’s champion.”