Friends of Bishopstone Station has launched an urgent crowdfunding appeal for a long-term plan to restore its 1930’s Grade II listed station building back to its Art Deco glory and create a community hub.
Bishopstone Station was built in 1938 to accommodate a new housing estate which due to the onset of the second world war was shelved.
The building was then used for military purposes due to its proximity and gun emplacements were built.
Barbara Mine, chair of Friends of Bishopstone Station, said: “This is the only railway station building with gun turrets in the UK.
In later years the building has deteriorated and a group of residents formed Friends of Bishopstone Station and adopted the station through the Sussex Community Rail partnership scheme.
“We are a passionate group and our main aim is to restore this unique Grade 2 listed building back to its Art Deco Glory.”
The group has planning approval and listed building consent and phase 1 of its plans is to raise funds to renovate the rundown former general store which was once the old parcels office, to create a community hub for local people to use.
Barbara added: “We want to turn this area into a much-needed space to be used by various community groups who are desperate for a venue.
“This will also include a drop in centre for a variety of needs. The money raised will pay for a new kitchen area, plumbing, electrics and appliances, hot water facility, broadband and USB ports, new foyer doorway and access for disabled people and those with mobility issues plus a new multi purpose unisex toilet.
“Until these works are done we don’t have a useable community space.”
For more details, or to donate, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/friends-of-bishopstone-station-community-hub
Photo credit: Friends of Bishopstone Station
