Key Points
- Altrincham Interchange secured two awards at the annual Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards held in 2026.
- The station won the Cheshire Life Photographic Award via public vote for the image “Altrincham Library Knitters Poppies on Display”, photographed by Bev Robinson.
- It also received a High Commendation in the Railway 200 category, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Britain’s modern railways across Cheshire.
- The ceremony took place at Crewe Alexandra’s Hybrid Lounge on Thursday, 5th February 2026, with a record 200 guests attending.
- Trafford Mayor Cllr Jane Brophy was among 12 mayors present; awards were presented by transport journalist Tony Miles.
- Romiley station won the overall Best Kept Station prize for the first time.
- Stations on the Mid Cheshire Line, linking Chester to Manchester via Altrincham, were recognised, including Delamere, Northwich, Lostock Gralam, Knutsford, and Stockport.
- Bev Robinson from the Friends of Altrincham Interchange stated: “The CBKS awards evening is a fabulous event and it’s wonderful to receive recognition for our hard-working volunteers. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other volunteer groups and share stories and ideas. We are already working on our next projects to make Altrincham Interchange a more welcoming place.”
Altrincham Interchange Steams Ahead with Double Win at Railway Awards 2026
Altrincham (Manchester Mirror) February 11, 2026 – Altrincham Interchange has achieved a notable double victory at the Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards 2026, highlighting the dedication of its volunteer team in enhancing the station’s appeal and commemorating railway heritage.
What Awards Did Altrincham Interchange Win in 2026?
As reported in Altrincham Today on February 11, 2026, Altrincham Interchange clinched the Cheshire Life Photographic Award, determined by public vote, for Bev Robinson’s evocative image titled “Altrincham Library Knitters Poppies on Display”. The photograph captured a poignant display at the station, underscoring community artistic contributions. Additionally, the station earned a High Commendation in the Railway 200 category, which honours initiatives marking the bicentennial of Britain’s modern railways with events and displays across Cheshire stations.
This dual recognition reflects ongoing efforts by the Friends of Altrincham Interchange group, known for community engagement projects. Previous years have seen similar accolades, such as a Highly Commended for Community Rail Network Award in 2025, as noted by Altrincham Today.
Where and When Was the 2026 Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards Ceremony Held?
The prestigious event unfolded at Crewe Alexandra’s Hybrid Lounge on Thursday, 5th February 2026, drawing a record-breaking 200 guests from across Cheshire. Among the dignitaries was Trafford Mayor Cllr Jane Brophy, one of 12 mayors in attendance, emphasising the civic importance of station upkeep. Transport journalist Tony Miles presented the awards, adding industry gravitas to the proceedings.
Nineteen stations from the historic Cheshire county were celebrated, showcasing widespread volunteer commitment. The venue at Crewe Alexandra, a prominent football club’s lounge, provided a fitting backdrop for this rail-focused gathering.
Who Is Bev Robinson and What Did She Say About the Win?
Bev Robinson, a key member of the Friends of Altrincham Interchange, captured the winning photograph that secured the Cheshire Life Photographic Award. As reported by Altrincham Today, she commented: “The CBKS awards evening is a fabulous event and it’s wonderful to receive recognition for our hard-working volunteers.” She further elaborated: “It’s also a great opportunity to meet other volunteer groups and share stories and ideas. We are already working on our next projects to make Altrincham Interchange a more welcoming place.”
Robinson’s involvement highlights the volunteer-driven ethos behind the station’s success, with her poppies display image resonating publicly. Her statement underscores future ambitions for the interchange, a vital hub on the Manchester to Chester line.
Which Stations Competed and Who Won Overall at the 2026 Awards?
Romiley station claimed the coveted overall Best Kept Station title for the first time, standing out among 19 honourees. Several Mid Cheshire Line stations, connecting Chester to Manchester via Altrincham, also shone: Delamere, Northwich, Lostock Gralam, Knutsford, and Stockport received recognition. This line’s prominence reflects robust community efforts in the region.
The awards, organised by Cheshire Best Kept Stations, celebrate upkeep, gardens, art, and engagement across categories. Past winners like Nantwich (2024 overall) illustrate the competitive landscape.
What Is the History of Altrincham Interchange’s Awards Success?
Altrincham Interchange has a track record of excellence, including past wins like the Transport for Greater Manchester Award, as reported by Altrincham Today. In 2025, it was Highly Commended for Community Rail Network Award for Community Engagement, with Ian Stuart from the Friends group stating: “The Friends Group were very pleased to receive recognition for our community based efforts to enhance Altrincham Interchange encouraging everybody, especially the young and other community groups, to use public transport and to explore further afield by train.”
Hale station, nearby, was Highly Commended for Transport for Greater Manchester Award that year, per Jon Leigh of Friends of Hale Station: “We were very pleased to receive the Highly Commended TfGM Award as a recognition of all the hard work and commitment by the Friends of Hale Station.” The Mid Cheshire Line volunteers also won the John Hobbs Award for Excellence for their RHS Tatton Station Garden display, earning Silver Gilt.
Earlier accolades include CIHT North West Awards in 2015 for environmental sustainability, as per AHR projects. Community Rail Awards 2026 shortlists featured Friends of Altrincham Interchange for “Hound Dog Blues on the Altrincham-Chester Music Train” and Railway 200 efforts.
Why Do Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards Matter for Communities?
These awards, unique to Cheshire, spotlight volunteer and staff contributions to station aesthetics, accessibility, and heritage, fostering pride and ridership. The 2026 ceremony’s record attendance signals growing interest, with mayoral presence affirming local authority support.
They promote networking among groups, as Bev Robinson noted, inspiring projects like Railway 200 displays. Stations like Altrincham Interchange serve as gateways, boosting tourism and economy in Trafford.
How Has Altrincham Interchange Evolved as a Transport Hub?
Opened post-2015 revamp by Transport for Greater Manchester, the £13m interchange integrates Metrolink and rail, earning prior commendations. Public realm enhancements nearby won ICE North West 2024 Project of the Year and Property Week ESG Edge for placemaking, per Civic Engineers.
Volunteers continue enhancing it, aligning with awards for community engagement. As a Mid Cheshire Line stop, it links key northwest towns, with awards reinforcing its welcoming status.
What Future Projects Await Altrincham Interchange Volunteers?
Bev Robinson affirmed the team’s resolve: “We are already working on our next projects to make Altrincham Interchange a more welcoming place.” Building on Railway 200 and music events, they aim to draw more users, especially youth.
Cheshire Best Kept Stations’ media coverage, via bestkeptstations.org.uk, amplifies such initiatives regionally. With ongoing Mid Cheshire Line successes, Altrincham positions for sustained excellence.
This comprehensive coverage draws from primary reports, ensuring neutral, factual journalism.
