Rail firms have published a number of images that show a vision of how the railway station of the future could look.

The images show an inviting place at the heart of a community, providing for seamless journeys from the car, bus or bike or on foot onto the platform.

The concept pictures illustrate how, as rail travel becomes central to even more and more people’s daily lives, the station and its surrounding area could be a place where people want to be, and not just somewhere to catch a train. Facilities may feature online shopping collection points, children’s play areas and piazzas where people can sit and enjoy a coffee outdoors.

The images also show how older station buildings could be revitalised while protecting their heritage, while new buildings can make a statement about their local surrounding area – whether a striking modern design or a structure sensitive to a historic place.

Among the illustration highlights are:

• The removal of the divide between the railway and the community it serves, with a greater emphasis on a place where people can spend more time, from picking up their online shopping to using continuous Wi-Fi for work before getting on a train, and offering a pleasant environment in which to eat and drink;
• The area outside the station that shows how small pockets of station land can find new uses: children’s play areas allow for a more family-friendly waiting environment, while small businesses can set up shop easily and rapidly in flexible spaces;
• Train information being more clearly displayed, with new station buildings designed to allow clearer lines of sight, a greater sense of security and space for staff to provide assistance;
• Station platforms being built to a modular design, making the best possible use of the available space within the station, providing information, services and facilities where desired