Crowdfunding launched for cycling-themed railway restoration

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help raise £50,000 towards the restoration and repairs of a dilapidated Victorian railway station in Levenshulme, Manchester.

The building, which was built in 1892, is currently in a poor state of repair and needs extensive restoration to turn it into what is hoped will be a ‘destination’ cycle cafe, bar, a co-working space and urban gardens.

Station South CIC, who are behind the restoration, says the crowdfunding campaign will the mean the building can move into its next phase of repair works which include essential floor repairs.

It will also pay for building the ‘track of champions’ velodrome wood bar and installation of bike parking facilities.

If they can exceed their target, additional funds will be put towards creating an accessible path from the Fallowfield Loop.

The team at Station South have acquired a large billboard adjacent to the station, which stands on a key arterial route into and out of Manchester on the A6.

The message on the billboard currently says ‘Please Help Us Fix This Building,’ and among the perks for crowdfunders is 30 days of advertising space on the billboard for £1000.

The ‘Artvert’ scheme will support free space for artists to display works alongside, as well as subsidise local cycling and art projects once the venue opens in Summer 2019.

Cyclist Chris Boardman MBE, who is also Greater Manchester’s cycling and walking commissioner, has offered an ‘Evening with Chris Boardman’ night as a perk for investors.

‘I love the idea of bringing an old station building back to use for something that will really help contribute to the community, and to get more people making journeys without cars,’ he said.

‘I want to wish everyone involved in the project the very best of luck with their fundraising.’

Railway Paths Ltd, the Railway Heritage Trust and the Architectural Heritage Fund have collectively invested more than £200,000 into the project already, enabling the Station South team to develop the project and see the building’s roof fully restored.

Pauline Johnston, Station South, added: ‘We know this is a building of local, historical significance and want to preserve Manchester’s rich railway heritage so we developed a plan to engage meaningfully with the landlord, convincing them that this building has a bold and bright future for another mode of transport – cycling.

‘Now we need all the public’s support to get us in the building to make the dream a reality’

Visit the crowdfunding page here