Bishopstone station buildings had fallen into disrepair. It was many decades since the station was staffed.
The unique Grade II listed Art Deco building with gun emplacements on top was on the ‘at risk’ register.
A Friends of Bishopstone Station group (FOBS) was formed led by retired motor trade executive Barbara Mine.
She brought together residents, campaigners, rail industry groups and heritage experts to plan the restoration of the station.
The old parcel room was converted into an accessible community hub with kitchen, tables and chairs, and toilet for groups to use. It took five years from the initial idea to completion of the first phase of the project.
The station featured on TV programme ‘The Architecture The Railways Built’ presented by railway historian Tim Dunn.
He was present at the opening of the hub alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex and the last British Railways Bishopstone station manager Una Shearing.
"Our main aim has always been to restore this beautiful Art Deco building back to its former glory. There is a future now for this very important building and so much more to achieve. This is just Phase One."