Avanti West Coast Opens One Million Pound Fund for Tourism and Development Along the UK West Coast Main Line

Published on November 24, 2025

Avanti West Coast, a major operator of intercity rail services across the UK, has launched the latest round of its Customers and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF). This funding scheme is designed to support local projects that aim to enhance the travel experience for passengers while making a positive impact on the communities served by the railway network. For the sixth consecutive year, Avanti West Coast is offering this funding to community groups, charities, and stakeholders looking to improve stations and boost the vibrancy of regions along the West Coast Main Line.

The CCIF is particularly focused on addressing key regional challenges, from regeneration efforts to social needs. Avanti West Coast is keen to partner with local initiatives that align with its broader mission to improve access to transport and foster community growth. As the rail operator continues to expand its reach from London to Scotland and North Wales, this funding will play an integral role in strengthening the connection between local communities and the tourism opportunities offered by the railway.

Objectives of the Customers and Communities Improvement Fund

The primary goal of the Customers and Communities Improvement Fund is to provide financial support for initiatives that benefit regions located within five miles of stations along the West Coast Main Line. Avanti West Coast is especially interested in receiving applications for projects that can address the following key priorities:

1. Revitalizing Railway Stations for Tourism and Local Development: The fund encourages applications that focus on improving the aesthetics, accessibility, and functionality of railway stations to make them more welcoming for visitors and tourists. This could include station enhancements, cultural displays, and facilities that improve the passenger experience for those traveling for leisure or business.
2. Improving Access to Rail Travel for Underserved Communities: With a focus on promoting inclusive tourism, Avanti West Coast is looking for projects that make rail travel more accessible to vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, elderly passengers, and those in hard-to-reach communities. This could include initiatives that improve accessibility at stations or increase public transport options to connect underserved areas to mainline services.
3. Fostering Social Connection and Tourism Opportunities: Avanti West Coast seeks projects that bring local communities together, creating opportunities for engagement and social interaction while also promoting tourism. This could involve festivals, events, or initiatives that attract visitors to areas along the railway line and highlight local attractions, cultures, and history.

Sustainable Travel and Tourism: Aligning with Global Goals

Applications to the CCIF are encouraged to consider the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on creating a more sustainable future for communities worldwide. By aligning with the SDGs, applicants can ensure their projects contribute to the global agenda of tackling climate change, promoting inclusive growth, and fostering sustainable tourism.

Avanti West Coast has integrated these goals into its sustainability strategy and is eager to fund initiatives that will not only benefit the local communities but also enhance the sustainable tourism experience. Projects that align with sustainability objectives will be given priority, as they can have a long-term positive impact on both the environment and the communities that rely on the West Coast Main Line for transport and tourism.

How to Apply for Funding: Supporting Local Projects

The Customers and Communities Improvement Fund is open to community groups, charities, and other local organizations. Applications can be submitted via the official Avanti West Coast website, where full details about the application process are available.

Joanna Buckley, the Community Manager at Avanti West Coast, has emphasized the importance of this initiative in enabling local communities to shape how the railway can support them. The fund gives applicants the opportunity to make a real difference in their communities by using the railway as a platform for social and tourism development.

Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about how they can use the railway to enhance local tourism opportunities, connect communities, and improve travel experiences for all passengers. Whether through infrastructure improvements, tourism events, or community engagement, the CCIF aims to fund projects that can have a lasting impact on the local area.

Important Dates and Application Information

The CCIF is now accepting applications for the latest round of funding. The closing date for submissions is 23:59 on Friday, 9th January 2026, providing ample time for applicants to submit their proposals and secure funding for their projects.

For further details on how to apply and the types of projects that will be considered, applicants should visit the Avanti West Coast website. This resource provides valuable information about eligibility, the types of projects that will be funded, and the application process itself.

Success Stories: Previous Funded Projects

Since its inception, the Customers and Communities Improvement Fund has supported a variety of projects that have made significant contributions to local tourism and transport. These initiatives have included station renovations, community events, and programs designed to enhance access to rail services for tourists and locals alike.

By funding these projects, Avanti West Coast has been able to support community-driven initiatives that directly contribute to the growth and development of the regions it serves. With each new round of funding, the CCIF continues to play a pivotal role in improving local infrastructure, fostering social interaction, and promoting sustainable tourism.

Looking Ahead: Building a Better Future for Local Communities and Tourism

The Customers and Communities Improvement Fund is an essential part of Avanti West Coast’s strategy to invest in the regions along the West Coast Main Line. This funding helps to create lasting change by supporting projects that improve the railway infrastructure and enhance local tourism opportunities.

As Avanti West Coast continues to invest in community initiatives, the CCIF will remain a key tool for fostering economic growth and tourism development across the UK. The focus on sustainable tourism and community engagement ensures that these projects will not only benefit the regions served by the railway but also contribute to the broader goal of creating inclusive, connected, and prosperous communities.