A Crowdfunder campaign has been launched to turn abandoned Sankey Station into an exciting community facility complete with a modern bistro showcasing local produce and a bakery.
A newly formed group, Sankey Station Community Association, are working with Great Sankey Parish Council to bring the disused Warrington Station back to life.
An agreement with the rail operators and Arch Co has been struck by the Council to take control of the station building and adjacent station house, which has been empty for over seven years. The Sankey Station Community Association have since developed plans to start work on the building, which have been unveiled in a new Crowdfunder video that can be seen here.
“We’ve spent time talking to local people to find out what they want, undertaking surveys of the building and working with architects and other experts to develop plans,” explains Jules Hutton from the group.
“It’s a great space, but the building is in urgent need of repair and to realise our plans we need to raise more funds. This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a vibrant new anchor for Great Sankey that not only serves all the community, but will help kickstart a wider renaissance for our area.
“If you can donate any amount, no matter how small, you will be helping to put the heart back into Great Sankey.”
The project needs to raise around £500,000 to fully refurbish the building and adjacent stationhouse. Great Sankey Parish Council has also committed to contributing a significant amount and Northern Rail is also providing funding to the project from its Seedcorn Fund.
It is planned to deliver the project in two stages; firstly by refurbishing the station house followed by the main station building.
“This is a community project supported by the Council but driven by local people,” said Great Sankey Parish Councillor Dan Price. “Next year is the 150th anniversary of the building and it would be great to mark this by returning it to community use. We really need everyone to get behind it to make this happen.”
