High Wycombe railway station has unveiled a fresh new look following a collaborative year-long enhancement project delivered by Chiltern Railways, Chiltern Rangers, and Buckinghamshire New University (BNU).
The project – supported by Chiltern Railways’ Community Investment Fund – was officially revealed on Monday 31 March, with representatives from the rail operator, local environmental charity Chiltern Rangers, university staff and students gathering at the station for the launch.
🎨 Celebrating Local Heritage Through Art
Art and design students from Buckinghamshire New University have created 20 original artworks that now brighten the station’s overbridge. These pieces celebrate High Wycombe’s rich heritage, with themes including:
- The town’s historic High Street
- Wycombe’s iconic swan
- The area’s famous chair-making tradition
- The Dashwood Mausoleum
- High Wycombe Station itself
Each piece brings a splash of colour and local pride to the daily journeys of commuters and visitors alike.
🌿 Greening the Gateway to High Wycombe
As part of the project, Chiltern Rangers worked with more than 100 local volunteers, contributing over 250 hours to deliver significant biodiversity and green space improvements around the station and the nearby Brunel Engine Shed.
New wildflower meadows, pollinator-friendly planting schemes, and green beds are already attracting local wildlife and pollinators – helping support the area’s natural ecosystem as spring begins to bloom.
Local artists were also commissioned to create sculptures and visual installations inspired by Wycombe’s industrial past and natural environment.
🚉 Station Improvements for Passengers
The station revamp is part of a broader programme by Chiltern Railways to enhance customer experience across its network. At High Wycombe, this includes:
- Brand new male, female, and accessible toilets opening this week
- Ongoing efforts to make journeys easier, greener and better for all passengers
💬 What the Partners Said
Vanessa Russell, HR and Corporate Affairs Director at Chiltern Railways, said:
“We are delighted that this partnership has significantly improved the customer experience at High Wycombe station. These projects have delivered social value by engaging local volunteers and showcasing the creative talent of students at Buckinghamshire New University.
We look forward to continuing this partnership to deliver Easier, Greener and Better journeys for the people of High Wycombe.”
John Shaw, Managing Director at Chiltern Rangers, added:
“We are so proud to have adopted this important community garden with BNU as a gateway to our historic town.
Thank you to our partner organisations and to more than 100 volunteers who have transformed their local station. Biodiversity is also a big winner, with wildflower meadows and pollinator flowerbeds creating new habitats for local wildlife.”
💡 About the Community Investment Fund
The Chiltern Railways Community Investment Fund supports initiatives that enhance station environments, promote sustainable travel, and strengthen community connections. The fund will reopen for new applications from Monday 7 April.
For more details about how to apply, visit Chiltern Railways Community Investment Fund.
