The UK Government has set a target to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years as part of its strategy to address the housing crisis and stimulate economic growth. Most recently it has also created Platform4, an organisation committed to building 40,000 homes over the next decade on former railway land.
But only 38,780 homes were built in the first quarter of this year. To build over one million more homes needed over the coming years, what we really need is collaboration between the rail and construction sectors. That means coordinating new housing developments with rail projects and focusing on development opportunities around stations.
Train stations are the under-recognised economic anchors of communities across the UK. According to our research at the Rail Delivery Group, the rail sector contributes a whopping £98 billion annually to local economies, including £9 billion spent at independent businesses. People instinctively know this - some 73% of the public see their local station’s economic prowess.
We need a significant acceleration in housebuilding if the Government is to deliver on its target. And to make sure this housing is well connected and community focused - why not build around transport hubs? Stations exist at the heart of communities and bring neighbours together.
Railway land really can be regarded as a strategic resource for sustainable urban development
A great example is the redevelopment of York station's surroundings to homes alongside office, retail and hospitality space. The refit demonstrates how land near stations is being adapted for mixed-use purposes to create well-connected urban areas. Railway land really can be regarded as a strategic resource for sustainable urban development.
Delivering housing at the heart of preexisting communities could allow for more opportunities for social interaction, counteracting our serious national problem with loneliness - it would also likely reduce car usage and promote sustainable rail travel.
Historically, public-private collaboration has been crucial to address housing challenges. Today is no different, and the same approach could help to build sustainable communities around railway stations. Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework could help to promote development around railway stations. Economic growth resulting from new development at stations can then be fed back into the community and its assets through Community Infrastructure Levies. This will help to support railway stations and communities in tandem as they grow.
Station-led development can both help the Government accelerate housebuilding and achieve its target
The establishment of Great British Railways presents an opportunity to reform the rail sector and enhance its alignment with housing and economic policy. Having worked in the housing sector myself, I have a good understanding of the challenges they face to acquire and build sufficient, suitable homes in the timescales needed and expected by the Government.
Building houses and communities around railway stations is an essential component to achieving the Government’s housing and growth objectives. Station-led development can both help the Government accelerate housebuilding and achieve its target, and unlock economic, environmental and social benefits, supporting the creation of resilient and connected communities across the UK.
Jacqueline Starr is Executive Chair and CEO of Rail Delivery Group
