The 160-year-old railway station at Abergavenny in South Wales is to undergo a new community development thanks to train operator Transport for Wales.

The station will see some of its empty spaces turned into an art gallery.

Peak Cymru, an arts-based organisation, are expected to move in later in 2021, and the contractors are already on site completing the work.

The work is part of Transport for Wales Station Improvement Vision, with work already taking place at Llandudno Station to transform its empty spaces.

New CCTV and Customer Information System will also be installed at the station later in the year, with the Customer Information Systems being funded by Network Rail.

Support financially has also been provided by the Railway Heritage Trust.

Hugh Evans, TfW’s Head of Community Rail, said: “Abergavenny is a beautiful station that has served the area since 1860, so it was fitting we were able to develop these community spaces there.

“The project will allow local artists a platform to showcase their work.

“Investing in bringing disused spaces at stations back to community or commercial use is a key part of our strategy because we know stations are more than just somewhere you get on a train, they are community hubs.”

Melissa Appleton from Peak Cymru said: “Peak are excited to be working in partnership with Transport for Wales to develop spaces to present art and artists at Abergavenny railway station.

“We will be activating areas either side of the platform 2 waiting room, as well as creating artist’s studios in the main station building.

“Over Summer 2021, Platform 2 will host artworks by international and regional artists, viewable 24/7. Later in the year, we plan to transform it into a young people’s project space as part of Culture is Ordinary – a centenary programme responding to the work of Pandy-born novelist, critic and theorist Raymond Williams, whose father worked in a signal box on the same train line.”

Bill Kelly, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director said: “Abergavenny has an incredibly rich railway heritage. Local people are rightly very proud of their station and Transport for Wales’ exciting plans will further reinforce its role as a hub for the community.

“This community development scheme is the perfect complement to the wider investment planned at Abergavenny – including our flagship project to make the station accessible for all.”

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