Exciting plans to create a new Crowborough Community Hub have moved another step closer with the planning application now submitted.
The plan is to convert the disused and derelict part of Crowborough Station so it can be used as a new community space. This will include space for the Crowborough Pantry which provides surplus food from supermarkets to avoid waste.
£50k grant
The group behind the plans, which is intending registering as a charity, have been given £50,000 by the rail companies through the “Your Station, Your Community Fund”. This is to repair and refurbish the station building for use by the community.
They say local community groups and Town Councillors have been consulted. It has been generally agreed that the facilities are in great demand and this scheme provides an excellent solution to address these local needs.
Dilapidated
The planning application says the proposal involves the refurbishment of the ground floor of the western part of the station buildings which is very dilapidated internally. The previous use was as site offices for the construction of the bridge and lifts over the railway track.
The proposal is to form a Community Hub which will consist of a surplus food distribution area, where surplus food is collected from supermarkets and made available to everybody on a voluntary donation basis.
For the community
The other half will be an activity area available for use by local groups and charities. The Hub will be a community organisation run by volunteers, funded by donations and grants. Two new pairs of entrance doors are to be fitted to enable access for wheelchairs, means of escape and to enable the two areas to be used individually without imposing on each other.
The planning application has been submitted to Wealden District Council and a decision is expected by mid-June.
If you want to get involved and help out with the Community Hub project visit their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558173485201