NR NR/GN/CIV/200/03 ISSUE 1 PDF

Purpose and Scope

This guidance provides advice on both facilities and amenities in rail stations. Distinction is made between facilities which are essential services and amenities which are additional and desirable services. 

Network Rail are developing a newly structured and comprehensive design guidance suite; as part of this a design manual for station facilities and amenities has been prepared in anticipation of improvements and upgrades to stations in the near future. This document is intended to compliment Design Manuals for both ‘Station Design’ (NR/GN/CIV/100/02) and ‘Inclusive Design’ (NR/GN/CIV/300/04), by providing more detailed design advice on specific station facilities and amenities, and their provision at different station types.

Other relevant guidance documents within Network Rail’s updated suite should be read in conjunction with this document, including those that cover specific topic areas in more detail and which are identified in the highlighted boxes in each section, where relevant. This document references other guidance, standards and applicable legislation throughout.

This design manual is primarily aimed at designers, engineers, project managers, contractors, and others involved in project design and delivery, as well as a useful point of reference for Station Managers, Train Operators and Sponsors.

Station facilities are necessary aspects along a station user’s journey serving a particular purpose. Station amenities are desirable and useful to include within stations, providing pleasure and additional comfort to station users and staff.

In addition to facilities and amenities, this guide also covers more general space design considerations which may also influence the planning of station accommodation. The provision and requirements of specific facilities and amenities can also vary depending on the category, size, usage, and location of a station. Appendix A provides a list of station facilities and amenities with appropriate levels of provision dependent on station category, applicable to both managed and franchised stations.

Station facilities and amenities are primarily located on concourses at larger stations, but may also be found on platforms or at station entrances and exits. Station concourses should be flexible, inclusive environments which serve passengers, staff and local communities. Particular consideration should be given to understanding the access issues that passengers face, including persons of reduced mobility, and those with cognitive and sensory disabilities.