Chiltern Railways, in collaboration with community partners, has unveiled revamped customer and community facilities at Dorridge Station.
The project, funded by Chiltern’s Community Investment Fund and delivered with support from the Friends of Dorridge Station and Heart of England Community Rail Partnership (CRP), included a full refurbishment of the ticket hall and the preservation of historic features, including parquet flooring from the 1930s.
The refresh marks the third major project supported by the Friends of Dorridge Station, a dedicated volunteer group who have also delivered upgrades to the waiting rooms at the station, as well as ‘pick your own’ herb beds and colourful planters.
To mark the occasion, a ribbon cutting event took place on Friday 17 May, with the then Meriden MP Saqib Batti in attendance, as well as representatives from the Friends group and CRP.
Julia Singleton-Tasker, Lead Community Rail Officer at Heart of England CRP, said: “The Heart of England CRP is delighted to be able to contribute to the Community Upgrade Project to the ticket office at Dorridge Station. Not only are the Friends of Dorridge preserving the history and the heritage of the station, but they’re also demonstrating the incredible value of station adopters in engaging the local community with the railways.
“Stations are functional spaces, but through the work of volunteer groups like the Friends of Dorridge Station they are also spaces that can provide insights into our local history, opportunities to showcase art and craft, and provide that important first glimpse for visitors into the area they serve.”
Zach Bailey, Regional Growth Manager at Chiltern Railways, said: “Chiltern is thrilled to have delivered this community refresh scheme alongside our partners at the Friends of Dorridge and Heart of England Community Rail Partnership. Through our community activity, we strive to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits for local communities. The Friends of Dorridge deserve significant credit for their work over the past 15 years to make Dorridge an attractive, community led station.”
Learn more about Chiltern Railways’ work in the community here.
