Award-winning station leaves users divided

Coventry railway station has been named the UK's best large station at the National Rail Awards, beating rivals including Nottingham, Milton Keynes Central and London St Pancras International.

But while some passengers have praised the station's transformation in recent years, others believe there is still room for improvement.

Judges awarded Coventry railway station the title of Large Station of the Year, citing recent investment, well-maintained facilities, retail options and helpful staff.

Managed by Avanti West Coast, the station has undergone a series of major upgrades in recent years.

These include the opening of an £82m station building and multi-storey car park in 2022, as well as a £600,000 project to replace skylights on Platform 1, completed last year.

Maria McCarron, station manager at Avanti West Coast, said the station had been through a "remarkable transformation", becoming both a gateway to the city and an important transport hub for the wider region.

Among those welcoming the award was Ryan, a Coventry resident who has used the station countless times.

"I think nowadays it is a lot better than it used to be after they built the new side and we have got some shops in there," he said.

"It is generally a nice place."

Not everyone was convinced, however.

Raj, who uses the station every week, said improvements had been made but felt the station was still lacking in some areas.

"I don't really know how they won it," he said.

"I know they have done improvements around the area but the actual station itself is very bland.

"You need a café area that is more suitable for children. At the moment you only have a Starbucks and that is it."

The 34-year-old also said waiting areas could become crowded and believed there should be more seating available on the platforms.

"The waiting areas are a bit small. When it gets busy you are literally just standing around. There are hardly any seats on the actual platforms," he said.

For staff working at the station, though, the award was recognition of years of change and investment.

Tom Mills, who recently joined the station as a welcome host, helping passengers with tickets and directing them to the correct platforms, said the accolade reflected a collective effort.

"It is good to be in the limelight, and it is a team effort," he said.

"Everyone here deserves credit."

The award comes after judges said recent investments at the station were "really proving their worth", praising both the facilities and the customer experience provided by staff.

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