Bridgwater Station is a beautiful Grade II listed building which had redundant and boarded-up rooms calling out for regeneration. Severnside CRP had a vision of breathing new life into the station, creating a warm, inviting and accessible space whether people in the community could gather, hold meetings and host small-scale events.

After conducting building surveys, gathering feedback from the community and securing funding from Great Western Railway, Railway Heritage Trust and Somerset Community Foundation, local contractors were appointed to undertake the renovations, including fitting bespoke doors and shutters sympathetic to the heritage of the station. The room was then equipped with furniture, Wi-Fi, video conferencing facilities and community artwork.

The Mike Hodge Community Room, named after a dedicated station volunteer (who is still going strong in his nineties!), was officially opened during Community Rail Week in May 2024. The space has already been used by local groups for meetings and events, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback and repeat bookings. Upcoming uses include NHS vaccination clinics and a Crimestoppers drama project for vulnerable youth. Severnside CRP envisions further regeneration of Bridgwater Station, including the potential reopening of a café as a social enterprise, and strengthening ties with the local college.