Abellio Greater Anglia recently welcomed representatives from the local community, funding partners and the construction contractor at Burnham on Crouch station to mark the official opening of Burnham Station House as a community hub and arts centre.
The Burnham on Crouch ‘Station House Project’ was awarded £75,000 earlier this year to convert the station building into a community hub and artist studio. The project has now been boosted by an extra £25,000 investment by Abellio Greater Anglia to refurbish the station platform area.
Essex Innovation Programme partnership leading to cultural development
The ‘Station House Project’ project is a partnership between train operator Abellio Greater Anglia, Essex County Council (ECC) and Burnham Town Council. A portion of the grant from ECC has come via the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP).
The project will see a full renovation of the internal station house building including the development of two affordable art studios and a space for community and voluntary use. The project is expected to be complete later in the year when it will be handed over and managed by Burnham Town Council.
“The Station House in Burnham looks set for a pivotal role within the community. The conversion of the house will provide studios for local artistic talent and a hub for cultural development.
A portion of the grant from ECC has come from the Essex Innovation Programme, and we are pleased to be able to provide this funding.”
County Councillor Roger Hirst, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Libraries, Planning and the Environment
Launching the station renovation project
The re-opening of Station House was recognised with a plaque unveiled by Cllr Ray Howard.
“I am delighted that this project has come to fruition. It will provide a pivotal role in the community and a fantastic setting for the development of cultural activities in Burnham.”
Cllr Ray Howard, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, ECC
“We’re aware that local residents have wanted this project to come to fruition for many years and various schemes have been proposed but never got off the ground. I’m delighted that we’re the train operator that is able to deliver the project for the benefit of the local community”
Paul Oxley, Stakeholder Manager for Abellio Greater Anglia
About the Essex Innovation Programme
Essex Innovation Programme is a no fee programme helping companies, both early stage and established, to develop and exploit their creative and innovative commercial development ideas. Providing experienced professional private sector support and networks to businesses to grow and commercialise their innovative ideas.
Source [Essex County Council]
