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This project involved:
Case Study Background
East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership through their parent organisation, the Hampshire Community Rail Partnership (HCRP) lease spare rooms and operationally redundant buildings on SWR stations for the benefit of the communities the stations serve. In addition to working with South Western Railway, the Partnership work with Railway Heritage Trust, Community Rail Network and local authorities to find funding and planning permissions that assist in facilitating renovations of unused rooms.
The HCRP also work with SWR to promote the train services at Liphook, Liss, Petersfield and Rowlands Castle stations;
They seek to encourage use of the train services and stations as access gateways to the South Downs National Park by partnering with local businesses, community organisations, and volunteers to encourage engagement with the stations and services.
Their involvement aims to enhance the station environment through the provision of incremental facilities.
Our input & deliverables
- Petersfield - In 2016, East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership and AmeyTPT negotiated terms for use of a redundant former operations room at Petersfield. The physical attributes of the premises with street frontage was ideal to showcase the HCRP and their work to promote the South Downs National Park. The premises opened in 2017 as a multi-use community space incorporating a food waste avoidance facility to distribute out of date but edible food from local businesses, a summer season travel and tourism information hub providing details about rail, bus, cycle and walking in the South Downs National Park, a choir and play rehearsal space, a sustainable bag workshop area and community meeting room
- Woolston - In 2015, HCRP and AmeyTPT commenced working together to create a community garden at Woolston Station. On behalf of South West Trains, AmeyTPT negotiated the part surrender of land adjacent to the southern platform from a local businessmen, agreed terms with HCRP and liaised with solicitors in the completion of an agreement for use of the land and creation of a community garden. In 2016, legals completed that enabled HCRP and it’s volunteer workforce to commence a radical transformation and creation of a thriving garden and allotment. HCRP hold regular open days to encourage local residents to enjoy this facility.
- Netley - In 2018, AmeyTPT on behalf of South Western Railway (SWR) and HCRP agreed terms and documented a new licence to facilitate the creation of a History Room within a redundant waiting room at Netley station. Following refurbishment works the room was reopened and handed over to the Hound History Society who have provided a spectacular display of information about the local area and in particular the nearby Royal Victoria Military Hospital. The group holds Public Open Days to showcase the facility.
- Swaythling - In 2019, AmeyTPT on behalf SWR and HCRP agreed heads of terms and new lease for premises at Swaythling station. Following consents, works commenced on 2 rooms inside the station to create community meeting rooms, which can also be used as a food waste avoidance projects, residents meeting place, local history archive and community café.
- Netley Phase 2 -In 2020, in conjunction with SWR, Community Rail Network and HCRP the journey continues. Heads of terms are agreed for HCRP to lease a waiting shelter at Netley to create new community rooms. Discussions are ongoing to lease and facilitate the renovation of redundant and dilapidated room.
- Shawford - Upon completion of the project, te rooms will be used as a meeting room for Twyford Scouts, a not for profit coffee apprenticeship facility available to the public and a travel and tourism hub for the National Cycle Way and South Downs National Park.
- Romsey - Discussions are also in progress to lease Romsey stationmaster’s House for community benefit and to renovate the café as a not for profit community café.
- Bitterne – There are plans to convert the station booking office into a community room.
- Woolston Phase 2 – There are plans to convert the old booking office into a community meeting room, a local heritage centre and a not for profit coffee apprenticeship facility.
