The beautifully preserved former Richmond railway station is steaming ahead with expansion plans and has opened The Shop to showcase designer ceramics, jewellery, hand spun yarns, sculpture and jewellery.
Inside The Station, which is also a heritage attraction, are a range of successful businesses including a brewery, cinema and an ice-cream parlour.
Eileen Halliday runs The Station, she said: “I’m a true Richmond resident, having grown up and gone to school here and I’m passionate about this amazing building which has memories for me as a working train station, and travelling on the trains to Darlington. The feedback has been great on The Shop which is good news as it is an important part of our fundraising. People expect to see something a little bit different here, but the challenge is to keep moving forward to ensure people visit time and time again.”
Susan Anderson, NECC Membership Adviser said: “The Station is an absolute gem and is a fantastic asset to the local area, attracting visitors from far and wide. We are delighted to have them in the Chamber and be able to support them in spreading the message of what they offer in their unique building.”
The Station is the regenerated converted Victorian railway terminus in Richmond. The trains stopped in 1969 and the track was removed but Richmond Building Preservation Trust redeveloped and opened the building in 2007. With six tenants, including a bakery, estate agency and restaurant currently occupying the business spaces, the charitable trust supplements its rental income by operating an art gallery. It also has the new shop, as well as meeting rooms and event space which is hired out.
Eileen said: “It’s an exciting venture, and again offers a complete contrast to the day to day business of running the landlord side of The Station.” She is also looking at options to mark The Station’s 10th anniversary next year. “It will be a fabulous chance for everyone to really celebrate this building, its rescue and rejuvenation, and look forward to the future – whatever that may bring!”