The Alderley Edge Station Volunteer Group have been working on proposals to improve the facilities for passengers.
The group, chaired by Kelvin Briggs, are sending a proposal to Network Rail and Northern Trains this week for the repurposing of the redundant building on the Crewe platform.
One concept proposed is for the building to be renovated to house a cafe with toilets facilities for rail users as the station currently has no public toilets.
The proposal has received the support of local MP Esther McVey who said "I appreciate that the building needs some work to bring it up to standard but once completed, it would make a fantastic community space out of what is currently something of an eyesore. I have little doubt that the volunteers have the drive to deliver that for rail users and the village and their work is more than amply demonstrated elsewhere around the station."
The proposal includes a request for the canopy that was removed last year because of safety dangers to be replaced.
Kelvin Briggs commented "Our group have put a lot of effort in to making the station a more welcoming place with planting displays, artworks, a book exchange, gardening and ongoing wildlife projects. Sometimes it feels like we are 'putting lipstick on a pig' as the fabric of the buildings have deteriorated and repairs and redecoration are much needed.
In the meantime Northern Trains confirmed this week that work will commence 20th March to upgrade two rooms next to the waiting room on the Manchester bound platform with some refurbishments and damp treatments.
Kelvin added "We have met local Parish Councillor Myles Garbett who expressed support in principal for the idea. The local neighbourhood plan, approved in 2021 contained a section about the station becoming a more welcoming place and gateway to the village and mentioned the cafe concept. We recognise that funds are restricted and the railway has had a torrid time during covid but we feel it's important to push for investment that will benefit the railway and our local community.
"If any local people are interested in helping our group progress this and other projects at the station, please get in touch with me : [email protected]."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Alderley station buildings in their present state, especially the 'up' (Crewe bound side) boarded-up and fast deteriorating buildings with hastily shorn-off canopy leaving the structure exposed to the weather are really not an appropriate gateway to the village.
Let us hope funds are forthcoming to make this happen.
(Wilmslow councillors are worse of course by allowing an office block to be built on the station forecourt where space for parking is precious and buses need to have some space to turn.)
It is still possible to build a massive multi-storey car park over the whole of the space in front of the Wilmslow railway station.
The ground floor would be underneath and still free for buses and taxis with car parking above on many levels.
It would block natural light for those large offices nearby but so what - they all have internal lights on no matter how light it is outside anyway and if it blocks the view from the windows it doesn't mater as the people inside are there to work and not spend time admiring the view!
It would of course all come down to money but as you say, would be an ideal spot for town/station parking.
Of course there should be a canopy above the platform to provide shelter from the weather. Likewise there should be toilet facilities.
Beyond that, the idea of a cafe / bookshop / craft shop / cycle-hire facility might further ensure that the space is better loved and utilised.
@ Mr Briggs and the rest of the volunteers, well done, these plans look a great first vision and I hope it comes off. But we really must be getting the station owners to at least make that Crewe Platform presentable and more welcoming, its awful how they have let that decay.
I can confirm the proposal is now with Network Rail for consideration with Northern Trains advised of the proposal.
We will keep everyone posted on developments . In the meantime we will carry on maintaining the plants and artwork displays at the station.
If any local business owners are interested in running a cafe out of the building, please make contact with me so we can involve you in the detailed design process.
Thanks Kelvin Briggs: