Community role for Scottish stations

Published: 4th September 2015

£1.5m fund announced for regeneration

A new community fund worth £1.5m for work at stations has been announced by ScotRail and the Scottish Government’s agency, Transport Scotland.

Old and disused premises are to be regenerated for new community purposes. Applications for help from the Stations Community Regeneration Fund have been invited.

The aim is to provide new community uses for redundant rooms on stations, to benefit local people.

Grants of between £5,000 and £75,000 will be considered for projects that will help communities or rail passengers. Larger grants will be considered, subject to detailed feasibility studies. Information is available on the ScotRail website.

Keith Brown MSP, the Scottish Government’s 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.”

Mr Brown added: “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.”

Phil Verster, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, said that the fund would make a real difference to the alliance’s customers and people living near stations.

Mr Verster added: “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.”

The fund would open up social opportunities, restore redundant premises and create jobs.

ScotRail, which will administer the fund and evaluate applications jointly with Transport Scotland, added that 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.

Abellio, holders of the ScotRail franchise, pointed out that 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.

For more information, potential applicants are invited to email: SCRF@scotrail.co.uk

External Links

• www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/scotrail-community/stations-community-regeneration-fund.