A village’s new community hub has been shortlisted for a national award.

The former ticket office and booking hall at Hollingbourne Station, near Maidstone, had remained unused for 32 years.

But a partnership between train operator Southeastern, the Kent Community Rail Partnership, the Railway Heritage Trust, and Hollingbourne Parish Council led to the building being brought back into productive use.

The new hub opened in May and the project has already been shortlisted in the National Community Rail Awards 2024 under the category of Most Enhanced Railway Spaces.

The awards recognise work done by volunteers across the country who strive to make stations welcoming spaces for passengers and visitors alike.

Since opening, the hub has hosted pop-up cinemas, local history displays, a Christmas fair, and a carol concert.

A cafe has been running on Wednesdays, and from January, this will add Mondays and Fridays.

A new essentials shop, named The Pantry, is also set to open shortly after, and from March there will be a safe space for mums and babies to breastfeed.

The building, which can seat up to 180 people, is also being regularly used for committee meetings, interest group meetings, and rehearsal for the village pantomime. It is available for hire.

Beccy Stroud, a member of The Station at Hollingbourne committee, said: “We are so proud of the extensive hours of volunteering that committed individuals in our village have spent getting this project up and running as a viable space for the community.

“Being nominated for an award is the icing on the cake.

She continued: “We must thank our local councillor, Patrick Garten, who was instrumental in identifying the opportunity and overseeing it through its renovation.

“He remains an important part of the steering committee today.”

Secretary Kathy Cox said: “We are very grateful to all of our funders, donors, and supporters who helped enormously to make the vision a reality.”

They include KCC, MBC, The Cobtree Charity Trust, and the Channel Ports Community Fund.

Southeastern chipped in with £130,000 towards the renovation costs, and the Railway Heritage Trust paid £11,470.

For more information about the project, visit here.

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in Swansea on March 18.