Refreshing Little Sutton Railway Station

Little Sutton railway station is one of a handful of listed buildings in Little Sutton. The charming building, built in the same style as other stations on the Helsby to Hooton line, has remained largely unused since the electrification of the line 25 years ago in 1994. But this is soon set to change…

Plans are being developed with both Merseyrail and Network Rail to introduce new accessible trains through the station by 2020, offering easier step free access for commuters. The interior of the former ticket office is also inline for a much-needed facelift. The aim is to refresh the station, increase passenger numbers and create a better journey experience for everyone travelling through Little Sutton and beyond.

In support of these plans, a group of proactive local people have gathered to put plans in place to breathe new life into this station to help restore it to its former glory. The plans include creating through access to the platform, installing a waiting room with Wifi access and travel information, (disabled) toilet facilities and a community café.

The plans are being developed, by Cheshire West and Chester Council and the NCCCRP with support from The Ellesmere Port Local & Family History Society (ELP&FHS), the Little Sutton Village Centre Regeneration Working Group and 1st Enable.

1st Enable, taking the lead in running the community café, is an organization supporting people with learning difficulties providing meaningful work experience and job opportunities. They already have community café’s running at Whitby Park café, The Library Care and a Whitby Road Shop and we are so looking forward to the addition of their community café at Little Sutton.

The plans for the café have been drawn together by Donald Insall Architects and are available to view here [PDF]

The restoration is anticipated to cost in the region of £200k and already has fantastic support from the Railway Heritage Trust. Additionally, a bid to the Lottery or additional external funders may be required.

Our thanks for ongoing support for the restoration of station and creation of the community café go to Network Rail, Merseyrail, Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, Railway Heritage Trust and Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP).