23rd Annual Rail Stations & Property Summit
Sponsored by:
A new era of rail-led regeneration
Supported by:
The Marble Arch Hotel, London W1H
2026: a pivotal time for development around rail stations
The convergence of sweeping policy and planning reforms, high demand for well-connected homes and commercial spaces and returning demand for rail services makes 2026 a pivotal moment for development around rail stations.
This popular annual event will bring together leading professionals from the rail, planning, real estate, development, legal, banking and regeneration sectors with national, regional and local public sector decision-makers to understand:
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how policy reform is creating a once-in-a-generation reset moment
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the detail of how rail station and place regeneration is increasingly policy-aligned
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how planning reform is positioning rail stations as key development opportunities, supported by Government policy objectives
The policy context: what is driving opportunity?
Policy and planning: The Railway Bill, presented to Parliament in November 2025, represents a profound reform of the British railway system. It will bring together the management of passenger services and rail infrastructure, including stations and depots. Once fully established, Great British Railways will be able to set long-term plans for investment in rail stations and the areas around them.
Demand for housing: The proposed 2026 revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) signal a major shift towards a vision-led approach, specifically designed to accelerate development around railway stations and well-connected transport hubs.
Rail trends: Data from Department for Transport and Office of Road and Rail show that by 2026, demand for rail is substantially recovered – substantially closer to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating a strong rebound.
The bigger picture
In November 2025, Government announced that housebuilding near well-connected train stations will receive a default "yes" in future if they meet certain rules, ensuring more homes are built. This will apply equally across all local authorities to make the most of sustainable growth opportunities for local housing, jobs, and businesses.
To take advantage of these opportunities, in 2025 Network Rail launched Platform4, a new property company set to unlock 40,000 homes and 10 million sq ft of commercial space over the next ten years on brownfield land near railway stations. with four sites already earmarked, including Newcastle Forth Goods Yard and Manchester Mayfield.
Real estate studies suggest that proximity to major transport hubs like train stations will increasingly influence businesses' location choices and affect investor demand.
I promised we'd get Britain building and that's exactly what we are doing. But it has to be the right homes in the right places, and nearby transport links are a vital part of that
Steve Read, Housing Secretary
Why attend?
Rail Stations + Property 2026 will offer a mix of keynotes, presentations, panel discussions and case studies taking deep dives into these key areas – plus plenty of time for quality networking pre- and post-event in the newly renovated Marble Arch Hotel, central London.
Planning policy
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New Towns: the location of the first 12 New Towns was announced in 2025 and all but one are already rail-served or the subject of rail proposals
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The Government's consultation on a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) includes policy to allow for more development of land around train stations in England
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Housebuilding near well-connected train stations will receive a default "yes" – a strengthened presumption in favour of sustainable development will be permanently 'switched on' provided the proposal meets density and other basic planning requirements
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Research has determined that there is space for at least 1.2m homes within 800m of England's rural train stations – more than 770 stations across the nation with various housing capacities have been identified
Innovation in investment
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The creation of Great British Railways and the ongoing move towards devolution presents an opportune moment to re-think and re-model how we invest in railway stations
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Ideas such as Station Investment Zones could provide investment incentives to support integrated housing, commercial and transport improvements and a planning approach sensitive to each community within 800 metres of a station
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Revision to appraisal methodology and its application is removing tendencies to under-value wider benefits related to placemaking, regional rebalancing, decarbonisation and social mobility
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There is renewed commitment within the rail sector to provide long-term funding certainty and ensure the value of investment is maximised through integration with the wider transport network and wider development, regeneration and public realm improvements
Making better places
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Investment in development around rail stations has demonstrable economic and wider social value – £26 billion per year in wider economic, social and environmental benefits
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Access to rail enables passengers to use travel time productively, supports health and wellbeing, contributes to the net zero agenda, strengthens communities and contributes to inclusive public spaces
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Revitalising underused or neglected spaces near stations can serve as incubators for culture, business and community-led regeneration – community rail produces almost £129 million in social value per year
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Placemaking can help to fulfil core community objectives such as creating inclusive stations, increasing sustainable leisure and tourism by rail, and supporting housing, jobs and regeneration
Revenue generation
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Rail stations contribute to revenue generation through commercial leasing, retail and catering income, land and property development, advertising and auxiliary services. Network Rail's wider retail estate generated over £914m in sales in the last financial year across its 19 managed stations
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New initiatives to engage communities in activities on the network and their local stations can drive significant local revenues
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There is a growing demand from occupiers for offices near railway stations and major transport hubs – these locations attract higher rents than properties in other areas. Offices near train stations command average rent premiums of 30% compared to similar properties elsewhere
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Stations are being reimagined as multi-functional hubs that incorporate community services, leisure spaces or active travel facilities (like cycle hire) that attract footfall and deliver extra revenue
Our railways are more than just connections between places – they create economic opportunity and drive regeneration. Platform4 will breathe new life into these spaces, delivering tens of thousands of new homes as part of our Plan for Change promise to build 1.5 million homes, while reviving communities around rail stations, supporting jobs and driving economic growth
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary
Our railways once powered the first industrial revolution. Today they hold the key to the next. By unlocking and regenerating brownfield land within the rail estate, we will generate further investment, create jobs through the delivery of homes, commercial space and new communities, whilst supporting the government housing agenda
Robin Dobson, Chief Executive Officer, Platform4
Who's speaking?
Philip Beer
Partner
Burges Salmon
Programme
Please note that the programme is currently under development.
To discuss speaking opportunities, please contact Juliana O'Rourke at: juliana.orourke@landor.co.uk
08:45
Registration
Tea & coffee served in the exhibition area
09.45
Introduction & welcome
Session led by: Philip Beer, Partner, Burges Salmon
Session 1
Further details to follow
11.00
Morning networking
Tea & coffee served in the exhibition area
11.25
Session 2
Further details to follow
13.00
Networking lunch
Lunch served in the exhibition area
14.00
Session 3
Further details to follow
15.15
Afternoon networking
Tea & coffee served in the exhibition area
15.45
Session 4
Further details to follow
17.15
Networking drinks
17.45
Event close
Published programme under development
Delegate rates and booking
Exhibition Packages
Exhibition Package
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3m x 2m exhibition area supplied with a table, chairs, power supply and wi-fi
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Up to 3 delegate places with access to all sessions and seminars
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Company profile on the event website
(logo and 100 words)
£1,500 + VAT
Exhibition Package + Presentation
A strictly limited number of exhibition and presentation packages are available
All talks must be agreed by organisers and event project team
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A 10-minute talk in a suitable session or an opportunity to chair a conference session
(90 minutes) -
3m x 2m exhibition area supplied with a table, chairs, power supply and wi-fi
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Up to 3 delegate places with access to all sessions and seminars
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Company profile on the event website
(logo and 100 words)
£3,500 + VAT
To book contact Daniel Simpson on: 020 7091 7861 or email: daniel@landor.co.uk
Exhibitors include:
