Hampshire Community Rail Partnership, recognised for their work in converting redundant station buildings for community use have completed the transformation at Bitterne.  Over 30 years since last required for operational purposes, the building had remained unused, the windows boarded, the WC made redundant by blocking pipes and the water supply cut off.   With help from South Western Railway’s CCIF funding and Railway Heritage Trust funding and advice, the premises has now been transformed for use by the station adopters and to host community events.  

During the works the original red clay tiles were exposed and with advice from Railway Heritage the tiles and mullion windows renovated.  The premises have been decorated in the Southern Railway colours. 

Mark Miller from Hampshire CRP said “We are so pleased to have completed our latest refurbishment.  The building has been flooded with light and is now in a great condition to be used by the Friends of Bitterne Station Adoption Group.  They already hold a weekly mural making art workshop in the building and are now planning further community events including story-telling, acoustic music gigs, bring and buy sales, craft sales and much more.  Hampshire Community Rail Partnership is deeply indebted to South Western Railway, Amey TPT and the Railway Heritage Trust in helping to make this makeover happen to return a much loved building to the heart of the community!”