Beating off stiff competition from King’s Lynn and Dorridge, Maghull capped a strong showing throughout the World Cup tournament with its victory.
This year’s competition focused particularly on the variety of businesses found at railway stations.
These are more than amenities for the traveller and many station cafes, florists and delis have become important parts of their local communities.
The ‘Coffee Carriage’ at Maghull opened earlier this year and the cafe was the key to the station’s success.
The cafe’s friendly atmosphere, selection of hot drinks and artisan cakes and pastries have made it a popular spot for passengers and locals alike to pop in to for a snack and a chat.
Maghull joins last year’s winner Wemyss Bay, alongside Stourbridge Junction in 2021 and Huddersfield in 2019, in being voted the country’s best station.
The World Cup of Stations is organised by the Rail Delivery Group and pits 48 stations against each other for the prestigious title.
Like its footballing namesake, the competition features group stages and semi-finals before the winner is finally announced.
Public votes decide who wins at every stage, from the regional groups right up to the grand final, from which Maghull emerged victorious.
Local media, community groups, politicians and customers all lent their support to helping the Merseyrail station come out on top.
The World Cup has been running since 2019 and the Rail Delivery Group counted over 100,000 votes this year, the largest number yet.
Everyone involved with the Sefton station’s success is therefore rightly proud of Maghull’s achievement.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved.
“This fantastic achievement is a testament to the incredible spirit of our local community, as well as the hard work of the station team and volunteers. Along with the folks at The Coffee Carriage, they have made Maghull a proper community hub where people feel welcome and connected.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
Responses
Congratulations to Maghull. Interesting to note the use of the double lozenge totem sign on the award. It would be really refreshing if station signs were once again sited on our railway stations in this traditional railway form (NB: I know that there are certain stations around the system that already have them).