In response to the design principles you told us: 

• You support the ambition to see stations become the heart of communities, offering community groups and local enterprises opportunities to inhabit and take ownership of the station. • You felt that the suitability of community facilities and viability of shops in stations depends on the local context. Smaller stations have less footfall and are unlikely to host traders, community events, or local businesses. There may be more room for activity and local services in urban and suburban contexts, including cafes and local shops such as dry cleaners and affordable, rentable spaces for community and business use.• You felt that basic but well-maintained community amenities are valued, including book swaps, accessible and clean toilets, and warm, dry places to sit.

Key design principles for community and enterprise

The community at the heart of the station - Finding new ways to engage the community in the open spaces around stations.

The activity framework -  A space for communities and small enterprises to occupy, to enhance and diversify the offer and facilities of the station. 

What has developed?

The activity framework is a pergola-like frame that sits outside the station and can house key facilities such as a ticket office, waiting spaces and community and enterprise activities. 

Different sized activity frameworks can be created to meet the needs of different stations.

Like the waiting pods on the platforms, Pods can provide additional cover or create internal spaces where community and commercial activities occur. 
These structures and the public space around the stations offer the building blocks for activities to take place. 

The community's input is required to understand how these spaces can best be occupied. 

“If this design makes it possible for communities to imprint upon these stations, promote stories from the local area, local art, heritage, culture, be a part of the design, giving the stations their own individual personality then I think it works as a basic template."

Commonplace User Feedback

What type of community and enterprise activities could HUB accommodate?

Sketch showing potential pod use in the activity framework, courtesy of 7N Architects

The activity framework provides the basic facilities that community and enterprise activities might need - such as shelter, energy and space. How these spaces are managed and used at different stations will vary depending on the local context and appetite. 

Self-sustaining activities

These activities could be something that is adopted by local station staff or be a passion project led by individual community members. Once established, there is little ongoing management required. 

Examples could include:

• A book exchange
• A community noticeboard
• A cycle repair workstation
• An yoga, walking or meditation group

Community activities

These activities are typically led by an established community group, public service providers or charitable organisations or social enterprise. They are primarily for the benefit of the community. They require ongoing management and planning and may generate small amounts of income.

Examples could include: 

• A community garden or allotment
• A public exhibition or gallery
• Drop in services - e.g. citizens advice, volunteer centre, jobs fair etc.
• A youth club or educational classes

Enterprising activities

These activities are commercial in nature, and they supplement the station by providing enhanced facilities and amenities for passengers and the community. 

Examples could include: 

• A micro-store or pop-up
• A coffee stall or shop
• A weekend / local produce market
• An artists studio or co-working space
• Parcel collection lockers

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