A celebration event was on Friday 24 April to mark the transformation of Beeston station following more than £7.6 million of investment.
Network Rail has completed a £1.36 million project to completely refurbish the waiting shelters and a historical canopy at the 19th century station.
East Midlands Railway has also carried out a £250,000 project which included resurfacing and remodelling the forecourt, adding a new cycle shelter and planters, and installing new lighting and extra seating.
It all complements the £6 million investment completed in spring 2025 to add two new lifts, a walkway and steps, under the Government’s Access for All scheme.
There are timetable improvements to celebrate too – with two Sunday services between Nottingham and London St Pancras stopping at Beeston from May.
Ann Shannon, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “We’ve carried out significant repairs to the waiting shelters on both platforms, replacing severely corroded timber, repainting structures and repairing brickwork along the station approach.
“The work was delivered in close partnership with EMR, and also neighbouring residents, who helped by providing access where needed. Thanks to support from the Railway Heritage Trust we were also able to restore additional features, helping the station really stand out. The project came in on time and under budget, and we’re extremely pleased with the results.”
“Beeston has seen significant investment over the past year or so, delivering a real and visible transformation, and our event today has been about celebrating what can be achieved when long‑term investment, strong partnerships and community involvement come together.”
EMR’s recent £250,000 upgrade at the station focused on community and biodiversity, with the forecourt resurfaced and remodelled to create more social space for passengers. The building façade was also repaired and redecorated, while a new designated area for the station’s volunteers was created. A new cycle shelter, additional seating, and improved lighting were also installed.
Will Rogers, managing director for EMR, said: “It’s fantastic to see the transformation at Beeston, a real demonstration of what can be achieved when investment, partnership and community come together. Over the past year we’ve seen significant improvements that have made the station more welcoming, accessible and environmentally friendly.
“Beeston is now much more than a railway station; it’s a shared space the whole community can be proud of, and we’re excited to continue building on this progress with further enhancements to rail services and our fleet.”
From left – Will Rogers (EMR managing director), Juliet Campbell (MP for Broxtowe), Mark Budden (Network Rail route director), Tim Hedley-Jones (Railway Heritage Trust executive director)
The Railway Heritage Trust contributed grants of almost £80,000 towards the recent Beeston projects.
Image credit: Network Rail
