Chingford and Highams Park both made the shortlist for this year’s “World Cup of Stations”

A different Overground Station, to avoid accusations of editorial favouritism

Two Waltham Forest train stations are in the running to be crowned the “UK’s best loved” in this year’s “World Cup of Stations”.

Chingford and Highams Park both made the shortlist of London’s best stations in the annual competition, organised by the Rail Delivery Group and Community Rail Network.

The Overground stations, both run by Arriva, were recognised for the way local community groups had transformed “unused spaces into dynamic community hubs”.

The Chingford Station Hub opened in June last year, after local volunteers and non-profit Love North Chingford spent more than 600 hours refurbishing three floors of the Victorian building, which had sat unused for eight years.

Volunteers hard at work refurbishing the building (credit: Love North Chingford)

Earlier this year, the Highams Park Planning Group formally launched The Station Rooms at Highams Park Station after refurbishing what was once the parcel room.

Both spaces are intended to provide a low-cost venue for local community groups, like music groups or repair cafes, in a central location.

On 22nd May, the two stations will go up against Denmark Hill Station in Southwark and Tolworth Station in Kingston in a public vote to decide London’s favourite.

The winner will then compete for the national title on 26th May. More than 100 stations were nominated across Great Britain and whittled down to a shortlist of 48 by TV presenter Tim Dunn.

Vote for your favourite on 22nd May here.

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