Train station’s new community café celebrates official opening

The culmination of months of work came to fruition on Saturday 1st May with the official opening of the Melksham Hub Café at the town’s railway station.  

The opening ceremony was carried out by local MP Michelle Donelan assisted by Wiltshire Council and TransWilts board member Richard Gamble as part of a morning of events at the station. Events included a petting zoo, stalls hosted by Melksham Men’s Shed and the British Transport Police.

A spokesperson for TransWilts, which has lead the project to improve facilities at the station, said, “Converted from a disused building thanks to funding from Great Western Railway, the Community Rail Network and station sponsors Knorr Bremse, the facility is open six days a week.

“The project has also included extending the car parking around the station, providing electric car charging points and offering a cycle hire facility.  

“This was made possible after negotiations by the TransWilts CIC to take on the lease for the land from Wiltshire Council.  Income from recently introduced car parking charges will help to finance the on-going running costs. The café, which has just been awarded a 5 star food standard rating by the local authority, offers a takeaway drinks and hot food menu as well as an outside seating area between 7.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us. The sun shone and lots fun was had by all! If you would like to volunteer or donate to our growing hub garden, please contact sophie@transwilts. org.”