By the turn of the 20th century, the number of railway stations in Britain was at its peak, with around 9,000 stations in 1901.
However, in the decades following nationalisation in 1948, the number of stations declined sharply due to financial pressures and competition from road transport, a period which included the ‘Beeching Axe’ cuts.
As of recent years, there are around 2,500 operational railway stations on the National Rail network in Britain.
Many of the former stations have been demolished, repurposed or left to fall into disrepair.
Abandoned train stations and lines are being reopened across the UK, driven by community demand and government initiatives like the ‘Restoring Your Railway’ fund.
After more than 80 years, stations across Birmingham and the Black Country are due to make a return.
Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road train stations on the Camp Hill line between Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton have all been abandoned and out of service since 1941.
Thanks to a £120million investment, they’re due to reopen next year.
Moseley Village, Kings Heath (pictured) and Pineapple Road train stations on the Camp Hill line between Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton have all been abandoned and out of service since 1941
Kings Heath Railway Station is pictured while under construction in December 2023
All stops now have two platforms for six-carriage trains, bike parking, ticket machines, information screens and lifts.
Once opened, the new stations will reportedly help cut journey times to Birmingham New Street by between nine and 31 minutes.
It’ll be the first time that the Camp Hill line has served passengers since World War II.
Two other areas in the region are getting rail services for the first time in 60 years.
Darlaston and Willenhall, on the line between Wolverhampton and Walsall, will once again serve passengers.
Transport for West Midlands has spent £85million bringing the two stations back to life.
To start with, they’ll provide two direct services an hour between Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
It’s hoped that in the future there will also be a direct service into Walsall town centre.
Two other areas in the region are getting rail services for the first time in 60 years – Darlaston and Willenhall (pictured) on the line between Wolverhampton and Walsall
Birmingham New Street Station – the main central station in the city – is pictured
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, told Time Out: ‘For some communities, this is the first time in more than 80 years they’ve had their own train service.
‘That changes everyday life. Getting to work, college or seeing family becomes simpler and quicker.
‘It also means more people coming into town centres. More footfall for shops and cafés.
‘More confidence for local businesses to invest and grow. This is what delivery looks like – backing places that have waited far too long for decent connections.’
