JUST a short drive from Warrington, a £2 million regeneration project has breathed new life into a ruined station house which has been standing derelict for almost a quarter of a century.
Community and partner organisations joined local charity Hamilton Davies Trust to celebrate the official opening by Ian Stewart, City Mayor of Salford and Cllr Christine Hudson, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, of Irlam Station House.
It was 122 years to the day since it first opened its doors.
The building, originally dating from 1893, has undergone extensive restoration work and now provides lots of new facilities alongside original architectural features, offering visitors a taste of the present and a flavour of the past. The transformation is part of a wider project to regenerate the whole site which had been in a poor state of repair for some time.
Irlam is the busiest unmanned railway station in Greater Manchester with more than 240,000 users every year. Rail passengers can now enjoy the station house facilities including 1923 café bistro, waiting area, toilets and meeting facilities, a cycle hub and a 60 space car park providing a more comfortable atmosphere for commuters, networking area for business and a leisure destination for the local community.
HDT founder and chairman Neil McArthur said: “The station house was derelict and in a sorry state of repair. We wanted to help regenerate the district and create a landmark, so much more than a station.
“I feel we have done this, by not only improving the environment and introducing great new facilities, but by restoring the old station house to its former glory. Irlam Station will hopefully become a must-visit location for residents from neighbouring communities, whether for leisure or their daily commute. I’m delighted to have been part of this partnership to make this regeneration happen and I think it can only benefit Irlam for the future.”
A feature of the renovation is The 1923 is a coffee shop, taking inspiration from the grand age of steam and the year in which the LMS train company, which dominated this line was formed, runs throughout this historic building.
This new addition to the station serves a selection of food and beverages to suit both commuters and locals alike. By day 1923 is a bustling coffee shop with a bistro feel serving great coffees, smoothies, sandwiches, salads and snacks all produced onsite using local producers. Into the evening the venue adopts a bistro like feel with customers being able to grab that snack on the way home from work or enjoy a dining experience like no other in true 1920’s themed surroundings.
From bespoke train carriage fittings to the relaxing mezzanine level complete with free wifi it’s the perfect place to meet with friends or enjoy and relaxing half hour before or after the daily commute.
Stuart Wraith, operations manager said “ This project has been unique we have looked in the historical aspects of the station building and matched it in keeping with the charm of the building to create a business which is different, welcoming and we hope a great addition to the local area. We have sourced local suppliers such as Dunham Massey brewery to provide hearty and mouth-watering dishes and beverages, which can be enjoyed both in the comfort of our quirky new venue or can be taken out. After home and work we want 1923 to become the Irlam communities third place of residence, and are looking forward to welcoming you soon.”
1923 will soon be launching its take away service online also to allow customers on the go to collect their orders at their convenience and enjoy a piece of our exciting new business on the go, though frankly once you step inside this enchanting new establishment you would be hard pushed to find its charm and unique appeal anywhere else.
