Train stations are more than transport hubs. They are powerful catalysts for economic growth, community development and regional prosperity.
Growing Places, a new report produced by Development Economics, explores how Britain’s regional rail network supports jobs, homes, businesses and opportunity across the country.
The research identifies the "Rail Catalyst Effect" – the role stations play in attracting investment, supporting new development and strengthening local economies.
By 2036, development across Britain’s regional rail network could support over 1 million jobs and generate nearly £79 billion in annual economic value.
Discover how stations drive growth, investment and opportunity across Britain
Key findings
Rail as an economic catalyst
Investment in rail infrastructure drives growth far beyond the station itself. Development around stations supports new homes, commercial space and thriving town centres.
1 million jobs supported by 2036
Across Britain’s regional rail network, development linked to stations could support over one million permanent jobs across sectors including professional services, retail, hospitality, construction and technology.
£79 billion in annual economic value
By 2036, station-led development could generate £78.7 billion in annual economic value for local and regional economies.
A boost for communities across Britain
The report highlights how strong rail connections help communities grow by:
- Supporting housing development
- Enabling business investment
- Connecting people to jobs, skills and education
- Strengthening local high streets and visitor economies
The Rail Catalyst Effect
Rail stations act as anchors for growth.
When communities are well connected by rail, they become more attractive places to live, work and invest. Development clusters around stations, bringing new homes, businesses and employment opportunities.
The report identifies this dynamic as the Rail Catalyst Effect - the way rail connectivity helps unlock economic potential across multiple sectors, from housing and commercial property to hospitality, tourism and advanced industries.
Rail and regional growth
Evidence from across the Great Western Railway network shows how stations can help unlock growth. Across nine stations in the South West, development within walking distance over the past five years has delivered:
- 3,500 new homes
- 67,000 sqm of commercial space
- 4,500 jobs
- £328 million in annual economic value
Scaled across the wider network, the economic potential is even greater.
New stations, new opportunities
The report also examines 35 new or proposed stations across Britain, including Birmingham Interchange, Portishead and Cambridge South.
Development linked to these stations could support:
- 13,500 permanent jobs
- £1 billion in annual economic value
Over the next decade, construction activity around these sites alone could contribute £7.1 billion to the UK economy.
Connecting communities
Rail investment does more than drive economic growth.
Good rail connections expand access to jobs, education and services, helping people reach opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
With around 22% of households in England not owning a car, accessible rail networks are vital in supporting social mobility, regional connectivity and sustainable growth.
Download the report
Download the full report to explore the research, data and case studies in detail.