23 September 2024

Bridgwater station converts new room for community use thanks to HPC Community Fund

The Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund, managed by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), recently contributed £10,000 towards the refurbishment of a room in the Bridgwater Railway Station that has been sitting empty and unused for over 10 years.

Located on platform 2, the former British Rail chargehand’s office has been revamped for community use by local groups, thanks to the vision of Severnside Community Rail Partnership. The fully accessible room – which includes access to a kitchen and toilet – is free to book and use, and can accommodate up to 14 people. It also includes internet access and a large screen for presentations. The room is already being used by community groups, including Bridgwater Civic Society and Go-Op Bus.

The total refurbishment has seen the return of some traditional features such as heritage style doors, which have been handmade to replicate designs found around the station.

David Northey of Severnside Community Rail Partnership said: “We’re very grateful for the funding received from the HPC Community Fund, alongside the GWR Customers and Communities Improvement Fund, Community Rail Network and the Railway Heritage Trust. The transformation of a once derelict set of rooms will hopefully be the beginning of regeneration at the station here at Bridgwater.

“There’s still more to achieve and the various empty rooms that once bustled with passengers, porters and parcels could again see new uses. If you’re interested in getting involved, we would love to hear from you.”

The room was opened in May 2024 by the family of a long-time volunteer at the railway station, and is named in his memory: The Mike Hodge Community Room. It is hoped it will breathe new life into the station and provide more social possibilities for the community in an accessible location in Bridgwater.

Peter Stolze, Programmes Manager at SCF went along to the grand opening. He told us: “Accessible community spaces such as this are so important to provide social connection for local people. It’s especially touching that the room is dedicated to the memory of a long-time local volunteer.”

Andrew Cockcroft, Senior Stakeholder Relations Manager at Hinkley Point C, added: “Hinkley Point C is proud to support projects that breathe new life into our local communities. The transformation of this once-unused space into a vibrant community hub is a fantastic example of how the HPC Community Fund can make a real difference. We are delighted to see this project come to fruition and look forward to its positive impact on the people of Bridgwater.”

The HPC Community Fund includes the Small Grants Programme which awards grants of up to £20,000, and the Open Grants Programme, for larger applications.

The funding is for groups working in local communities to address changes to people’s quality of life or to make the most of the opportunities created by Hinkley Point C. Visit www.hpcfunds.co.uk for more details. If you would like to discuss your project or idea please contact Amelia Thompson, Senior Programmes Manager: amelia.thompson@somersetcf.org.uk or call: 01749 344949

The HPC Community Fund is part of a wider commitment of funding provided by EDF through Section 106 agreements. It is available for communities that are affected by the development of the new nuclear power station, to help promote their social, economic and environmental wellbeing and enhance their quality of life. Hundreds of projects have benefitted so far, and in total almost £15.5 million in grants have been awarded to date, including £9.6 million from the Fund managed by SCF.

Somerset Community Foundation is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. They do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.

SCF provides simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and their unrivalled local knowledge.

For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, they provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. They provide over £4 million of funding to local groups every year.

By inspiring local giving and funding social action, they support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.