New £1.5million fund to regenerate railway station buildings

ScotRail and Transport Scotland have launched a new £1.5million community fund to breathe new life into old and disused railway station premises.

The Stations Community Regeneration Fund will enable business and community groups to transform redundant station rooms into facilities to benefit local people during the ten-year Abellio ScotRail franchise. Any projects that will aid communities or rail passengers will be considered for grants of between £5,000 and £75,000. Bids can also be made for larger sums, but applicants must provide in-depth feasibility studies.

ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster said, “We believe the Stations Community Regeneration Fund will make a real difference to customers and people living near stations – opening up social opportunities, restoring disused premises, and creating jobs.

“I encourage any community groups or businesses who think they can improve their local station to get in touch with ScotRail to discuss how the fund could help turn their ideas into reality.”

Grants can be used to contribute towards the costs of any structural repairs and to assist with the costs of fitting out station premises for their intended use.

Applicatoins will be evaluated by ScotRail and Transport Scotland

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, said, “The establishment of this fund is good news for local railway stations around Scotland and the communities they serve. I have visited a number of these projects in the past and have seen first-hand how effective this model of funding has been for securing access to new premises for local businesses and community groups. Using formerly derelict buildings also breathes new life into Scotland’s stations, improving the rail experience for passengers around the country.

“I am looking forward to seeing how this new round of investment, pledged by Transport Scotland and Abellio, will go towards further enhancing both facilities in stations and promoting sustainable developments in local communities.”

The Stations Community Regeneration Fund will be managed and administered by ScotRail with applications evaluated jointly in conjunction with Transport Scotland.

Applications will be assessed on whether they fit with the existing building, businesses and local area, how they meet a market or community demand, and the future benefits expected from the proposal.