Our Station Hub will be North Chingford's only true community facility, offering access to all on three floors in a neglected building.
Co-working spaces for individuals and business start ups as part of our Covid recovery, low cost meeting space with state of the art IT for up to 40 in former station buffet, a local heritage study unit, sustainable tourism information for nearby Epping Forest and High Street and a gallery/ artspace in the intriguing basement. A venture supported by London Borough of Waltham Forest & Arriva Rail London, operators of the Overground. Exterior of the building has been restored, this project refurbishes the interior to its Victorian feel..
What we'll deliver:
- 30 spaces for co-working, hybrid working and training
- Provide a community local history/heritage centre
- Provide an affordable art space and base for arts trail.
- Bring a key building back into community use at low cost
Why it's a great idea:
Its a unique project in an historic building, designed to promote community cohesion through heritage and environment, create job opportunities, a meeting space, support our high street and develop our local arts community.
Steps to get it done:
- Initial removal of redundant equipment and stripping of wall coverings by Volunteers
- Rewiring and renovation of Ground and First floor by main contractor to recreate Victorian ambience
- New Heating, fit out of kitchen, toilet and former buffet room with cabinets and equipment
- Painting,Install IT, including desking, PCs, cabling, projector, zoom room.
- Renovate Basement to provide arts centre/Gallery space.
The Station building is the Overground terminus for the Liverpool Street line next to a bus station and is superbly connected to both town and Epping Forest. The project has funding for the basic renovation which will be done by local volunteers working with a professional contractor, but funding shortfall to fully equip the centre, and open it in a short time scale.
