UK rail stations
Philip Kassanis as director at Kassanis+Thomas
2012
Working with Stanway RPA, Kassanis+Thomas carried out studies for many stations. These ranged from detailed concept proposals for a major midlands station to a comprehensive study of 250 stations for a rail operating franchisee which outlined the top ten opportunities for transformative action. The team brought together very technical rail operating and design skills with development, masterplanning, urban design and architectural skills and stakeholder management.
The thinking that informed this work was influenced by the “transit oriented development” (TOD) approach. The main features are summarised below.
TOD is an integrated approach to transport and land use planning, characterised by having several ,if not all, of the following principles, which are all inherent in the concept of “green growth” and form ways of achieving the aim of rebalancing the UK economy:
- Rapid and frequent public transport services
- Medium to high density developments within 800 meters of the transit station
- Compact, mixed use developments premised on amenity for the pedestrian
- Increased provision for public realm
- Neighbourhoods that are accessible, walkable and permeable
Stations are prime opportunities for TOD. The vision is for them to become dynamic Gateways for Cities of the Future, performing a vital role in the overall balance of the city economy, and also capable of leading regeneration strategies.
Our concept is based on making the station an effective transport hub – handling millions of travel related transits per year –thereby providing a strong base for a sustainable mixed use offer. The offer will be designed to complement the adjacent areas, creating a strong and exciting economic zone around the station, which can only assist the spread of economic development to other parts of the city.
