This fund supports community groups across the UK to take ownership of assets which are at risk of being lost to the community, this milestone was achieved with the support of VAC partners, Locality.
The charity received nearly £300,000 from the fund, which will enable the much-needed restoration of the Grade II listed building, transforming it into a vibrant community hub and creative space.
In 2016, the building was incorporated into the Arriva Northern franchise agreement, stating that by March 31, 2025, unused or underutilised station buildings, including Mytholmroyd, should be redeveloped for community purposes.
In March 2019, Network Rail completed the building’s exterior renovations. It was agreed that Network Rail would be responsible for the structure and external features, while the community interest organisation (CIO) would handle the interior fittings and decor.
Despite Arriva Northern no longer needing the use of the building, they committed £100,000 in support, with additional backing from the Railway Heritage Trust.
The Local Motive’s efforts were seen far and wide including being nationally recognised for their outstanding contribution to community rail by the National Railway Heritage Awards in 2019, and further receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021.
Securing the Community Ownership Fund ensures that the building, which has been closed for nearly 30 years, will be revived and repurposed for the benefit of Mytholmroyd’s residents.
Final renovations are set to begin in September, with completion expected by March 2025 and a prospective start for the brand-new community hub in September that year.
These renovations will include installing electricity and lavatories, resulting in a full transformation across all three floors.
The charity hopes the Old Station Building will host everything from art exhibitions, and creative classes to volunteer opportunities and even artist studios available to rent.
The old station building has already featured exhibitions from Hebden Bridge Portrait Club and Mytholmroyd Arts, which VAC employees Kate Hornby and Jordan Baker were thrilled to be invited to.
The charity is still in need of valuable trustees, if you are interested in joining them on their journey and can provide your skills and time, or, if you’re interested in hosting a community group or event at The Old Station building please contact: communityhub.myt@btinternet.com
We can’t wait for the grand opening of the Old Station Building! We wish all volunteers and trustees good luck in their restorations and plans for the future.
