ScotRail have announced the £525,000 conversion of underused space at Saltcoats station into a fully accessible training station for the local community.
The new training station was opened on 25th October and includes a multimedia screen and projector for training, local meetings and presentations.
The new multi-functional space also includes new toilet and changing room facilities.
The project was delivered by a collaboration led the Shibumi Karate club based in Saltcoats.
The refurbishment was able to take place thanks to several community grants.
These grants include:
- £150,000 from the Scottish Government’s Regional Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).
- £156,715 from the Railway Heritage Trust.
- £83,300 funding from ScotRail’s Station Community Regeneration Funding (SCRF).
- £76,000 from Sport Scotland.
- £50,000 from North Ayrshire Council’s Community Investment Fund.
- £10,000 from Shibumi Karate Club.
James Ledgerwood, ScotRail Head of Economic & Community Development explained how the refurbishment will help ScotRail for closer bonds with the communities they serve.
Mr Ledgerwood said: “We are delighted that this previously underused space at Saltcoats station is now providing the local community with a great place to hold a wide variety of group activities and leisure pursuits.
“The people of Saltcoats and the Three Towns now have a state-of-the-art facility right on their doorstep.
“It will be a great asset for many years to come.
“This project is part of ScotRail’s commitment to strengthening links with the communities we serve.
“We look forward to welcoming all of the different groups who will be able to use the training centre.”
