Project Description
Merseytravel approached Seed Architects Limited with a clear objective: to enhance Sandhills train station, an essential part of Merseyside’s rail network. Sandhills serves as a major transport link for thousands of football fans traveling to Anfield and Goodison Park stadiums, making it one of the busiest stations in the area, particularly on match days. The existing station facilities were no longer adequate to handle the volume of passengers, so a redesign was crucial to improve both functionality and aesthetics.
The £6 million project, procured through Network Rail, was aimed at transforming Sandhills into a modern, efficient, and visually impactful station. One of the most significant changes was relocating the majority of the station building onto the elevated island platform. This strategic move centralised key facilities at platform level, making them more accessible to passengers. The new station design includes a ticket office, booking hall, operator facilities, a disabled toilet, and glazed enclosed waiting rooms, all housed within a canopy structure designed to offer protection from the elements.
Given the station’s exposed location, shielding passengers from adverse weather conditions was a top priority. The materials chosen for the project were selected for their durability and weather resistant properties, while also aligning with Merseytravel’s signature colour palette to maintain a cohesive and recognisable look. This combination of practicality and aesthetic appeal ensured that the station not only met functional demands but also enhanced its presence as a gateway to key destinations in the city. We are proud that this design was highly commended in the 2009 National Rail Awards.
Since the redesign, Sandhills station has seen remarkable growth. In the last year alone, the station recorded 778,764 entries and exits, a figure expected to rise further with the completion of Everton’s new stadium. The upgrades have solidified Sandhills Station as a crucial hub in the Merseyside transport network.