All aboard for railway station’s new community café

Story posted on March 30, 2021

THE transformation of Melksham’s railway station has moved a step forward with the opening of its new community café.

The opening of the Melksham Hub, which is initially open for takeaway, marks a milestone moment for the TransWilts project, which is working to improve facilities at the station and create a welcoming gateway to the town.

The new café is open for hot and cold drinks and food, open 7am to 3pm from Monday to Saturday.

“Passengers will be able to grab a coffee and bacon butty before catching their train,” said café manager, Siân Coppin. “A great way to start the day and your journey!”

And in the coming weeks, as Covid restrictions are lifted, the café will provide outdoor dining in a piazza-style area from 12th April; and an ‘official’opening is scheduled for 1st May.

The Melksham Hub will also be open to the community for hire once restrictions allow – both indoor and outdoors.

Sophie Martin from TransWilts said, “We are so excited to open the hub and are keen to get as many people engaged with supporting their local community café. We currently have 15 volunteers signed up to help run the café, some of which used to volunteer at the ArtHouse Café in the Market Place.

“And we want this to be a place for community groups to meet. We are in talks with a few local groups about them hosting their regular meetings here.”

Plans are also in the pipeline for floral planting, local art displays, and a mural painted by Young Melksham.

“We want to create a warm and friendly welcome to Melksham,” said Sophie. “And with the café here, it will start the journey into Melksham on a really positive note.”

Facilities at the hub include an accessible toilet, charging points for electrical devices, a departures and arrivals board, and bicycle hire for anyone wanting to explore the area on two-wheels. 

For more information, visit the Melksham Hub website: https://melkshamhub.co.uk