The efforts of local campaigners hoping to preserve a historical
landmark have been successful and a decision on the future of
Trimley St Mary railway station building has been postponed.
The historical station building was due to be demolished early
in the New Year by its owners Network Rail if no new use for the
building was found by the December 31 deadline.
“Following talks with Network Rail about the future of the
building they have agreed to extend the deadline to April 1 to give
us more time to continue discussions with them about finding an
alternative use for the station building,” said Cllr Andy Smith,
Cabinet Member for Planning.
“Network Rail have made it clear that they are keen to keep the
building as long as a sustainable use can be found and discussions
will remain underway until the beginning of April when the decision
will be reassessed,” added Cllr Smith.
A business plan was put forward to Network Rail at a meeting
last week proposing to use the station building for small scale
business start-up units including a community room and a café. The
time between now and April will be used to continue discussions
with Network Rail and look into securing funding for the project
management and the refurbishment of the building.
“At the meeting Network Rail were impressed with the amount of
passionate local and national interest in the station from
community and heritage groups and agreed to allow the Friends of
Trimley Station group and local residents more time to develop the
business plans for the
building.
“The delay in the decision is a very positive step for the future
of the station building and we are now starting to see light at the
end of the tunnel for its preservation. We look forward to working
together with Network Rail to ensure a sustainable use for the
building is put into action so that the long-standing landmark can
be enjoyed by the local community,” added Cllr Smith.
Residents that wish to express an interest in the station
building or would like more information can contact a member of the
Friends of Trimley Station group on 01394 444616 or email
conservation@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk