Stepney Station shortlisted for National Railway Heritage Award

The restoration of Stepney Station has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Railway Heritage Awards.

These awards are the only recognition dedicated to encouraging best practices in the re-use, restoration, and upkeep of railway and tramway heritage across the UK.

Located on Beverley Road, Stepney Station is a key landmark that plays a significant role in Hull's transport and social history. Now operated by the Summit Education Society, the station has transformed into an essential venue for the local community.

The winners of the National Railway Heritage Awards will be announced during a ceremony at Merchant Taylors' Hall, London EC2, on Wednesday 4 December 2024.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are delighted that a part of the Beverley Road Townscape Heritage Scheme has been shortlisted for this award.

"The restoration of Stepney Station was very much needed, and it has become a key venue and sanctuary for the local community."

Zeki Tasdemir from the Summit Education Society, said: "As the 'Summit Education Society' Community, We are deeply honoured that the restoration of Stepney Station has been shortlisted for this year's National Railway Heritage Awards. The Stepney Station, once a vital part of the local rail network, has been carefully restored and continues to serve as a vibrant community centre, the restoration project is aimed at protecting the heritage building while breathing new life into the space to provide a safe and reliable place for our community.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Hull City Council and the National Lottery Fund, which has made this project possible. Summit Education Society remains committed to the ongoing care and use of the building, ensuring that Stepney Station continues to serve as a hub for community engagement, creativity, and connection for generations to come with our various partnership and community-driven projects."

The restoration, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by Hull City Council, included the building's special historic details as well as essential repairs to the roof and windows. The Station House was returned to its traditional brown and buff paint colour scheme, offering residents a glimpse of its original appearance from the 1850s, when it was operated by the North Eastern Railway company.

For over a century, Stepney Station connected Hull residents to East Yorkshire and the wider UK. Although it closed in 1964, a comprehensive restoration program initiated fifty years later has successfully revived this significant piece of Hull's heritage.

Stepney Station stands as one of the last surviving components of Hull's suburban railway network. At its peak in the early 1900s, it was a bustling hub, issuing over 45,000 tickets annually.