The Watford Group is delighted to announce that the 55th Watford Conference will take place from 22 to 24 September 2025 at Kings Place, London. Coinciding with the bicentennial anniversary of the railways in the United Kingdom, this landmark event will bring together international railway professionals and architects to reflect on two centuries of innovation and look ahead to the next era of design.
First held in 1963, the Watford Conference has grown from an annual gathering of British Rail’s Regional Architects into a truly global forum, comprising more than 19 countries and over 50 heavy rail organisations. Following its last meeting in Singapore in 2022, the conference returns to the UK with a focus on the theme of Legacy, exploring the growth and transformation of the railway from 1825 to 2025, assessing present-day challenges, and envisioning the legacy to be left for the next 200 years.
Frank Anatole, Principal Architect, Network Rail: “It feels especially important to come together again to celebrate Rail 200, marking two centuries since the Stockton & Darlington Railway transformed the world in 1825 by connecting places, people, and ideas. This bicentenary is a momentous milestone not only for The UK but for railway heritage globally.
“The pioneering spirit of invention and innovation that defined rail’s early leaders continues today, addressing new challenges in an ever-changing world. The Watford Conference is the best place to find inspiration from colleagues globally and make sure that the railway becomes simpler and better for all. The conference venue will be within the regenerated railway lands of the Kings Cross area, one of the largest and most successful mixed-used developments in Europe. And, if you find a moment to explore some of the other amazing parts of London as a tourist, we won’t tell.”
Keynote speakers confirmed for this year’s event include Chris Williamson, President-elect of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); Anthony Dewar, Network Technical Head Buildings and Architecture at Network Rail; and historian and broadcaster Tim Dunn. Additional speakers from the specialist rail and wider architectural community will be announced shortly.
The conference itinerary begins with a Welcome to London Reception at the London Transport Museum on Sunday 21 September, followed by three days of presentations, tours and networking at Kings Place. Delegates will also have the opportunity to attend the Explore London Reception at The London Centre and the renowned Candlestick Dinner at RAILS. An optional visit to York and the National Railway Museum is available on Thursday, 25 September.
A highlight of the conference will be the prestigious international Brunel Awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements in heavy railway architecture, engineering, landscaping, product design, locomotive and car design, graphic arts and overall design quality across the world’s railways.
Delegates interested in presenting their work in PechaKucha format are invited to apply by 31 July 2025.
Early bird registration is now open for bookings completed by 31 July. All tickets include access to the Welcome to London Reception, Explore London Reception, conference sessions and tours, and the Brunel Awards. As places for the Candlestick Dinner are limited, early booking is strongly recommended.
The Watford Conference has a long tradition of bringing together experts, designers and decision-makers to share knowledge and shape the future of railway architecture and design. The 2025 gathering promises to be an unmissable occasion, honouring the past while inspiring the next generation of railway professionals.
For more information, to book your place, or to register your interest in speaking, please visit https://wlevents.org.uk/event/the-watford-conference-2025-book-now/.
