Harrow and Wealdstone named London rail station of the year

The Silverlink-operated station beat competition from Heron Quays on the Docklands Light Railway and Brentford station to take the title.

A £4.5 million refurbishment, started in 2001, has dramatically improved Harrow and Wealdstone, with improvements to passenger facilities and disabled access, without compromising its Victorian and Edwardian features, which are grade-2 listed.

Professor David Begg, chairman of the Commission for Integrated Transport and chairman of the awards judging panel, said, "The best station category is always a popular entry.

"What made Harrow and Wealdstone different was the strength and collaboration between the organisations involved."

Silverlink director Julian Drury said "We are thrilled to win this award. This success is down to the determination of the project team and their close partnership with other national and local organisations.

"The patience and dedication of the station staff should also be praised.

"The refurbishment work took place without extended station closures and they effectively managed the 4,500 passengers who use the station daily."

Harrow and Wealdstone is one of the busiest stations on the west coast route out of Euston.

It serves Silverlink County trains between London and Milton Keynes; Silverlink Metro services to Watford Junction; South Central running between Watford and Gatwick Airport, and Bakerloo Line Tube services.

The recent improvements provided passenger-operated lifts, allowing the disabled step-free access to the whole station.

They also included doubling the width of the footbridge by removing the central partition; refurbishing the waiting rooms; refitting the booking hall and offices on the Wealdstone side; redecorating the entrance on the Harrow side; new toilets; information screens on two platforms, and new lighting.

The work was undertaken in a partnership involving Silverlink, Network Rail, the Railway Heritage Trust, English Heritage, and Harrow Council.