Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) works to encourage thriving and sustainable communities. As part of a study commissioned by EEDA, BRCC recognised great potential in the beautiful Victorian building that stands at Ridgmont Station on the Marston Vale railway line.

Unused for several decades, it is currently in a very poor state of repair. However, with the investment of time, money and a little imagination, BRCC is aiming to convert the disused building into a multi-purpose centre serving the needs of the local community, surrounding businesses and train travellers alike. Moreover, it will be an examplar in terms of environmental sustainability.

Janet Ridge MBE, Chief Executive

BRCC wants to see the station building brought back into life and preserved for future generations to appreciate. We want it to become a local hub for business and community activities. We will:

• create office space across three first-floor rooms for small-scale/start up social enterprises.
• preserve the original Victorian booking hall, which will become the focus for a heritage display area.
• It will house exhibitions linked to the history of the Bedford-Bletchley railway line, together with the brick making industry that it served for many years.
• create two ground-floor rooms available for community activities, and a third room which will be used as the office of the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Officer.
• provide a fully equipped kitchen that will service a much-needed café at the station, together with toilet facilities.
• encourage the establishment of additional facilities, including cycle hire and links to the Marston Vale “Hidden Britain Centre” walks and the proposed Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway towpath walks.

Ridgmont Station promotional leaflet, click here

To complete our Ridgmont Station ’Back on track’ survey online, please, click here.