Upshire Primary Foundation School train launch
Pupils, staff, parents and the wider community came together on Saturday to celebrate the opening of the Upshire Primary Foundation School Mr Brown Community Train Carriage.
Named in memory of former pupil and school governor Steve Brown, the carriage was officially opened by Mr Brown’s children and Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Chairman, Louise Mead with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The transformation journey
The decommissioned 23m first-class train carriage, which used to run on the King’s Cross to Edinburgh line, was donated for a small fee and delivered in 2021, still fully fitted out as it was when in operation. Needing a full strip out, plumbing, rewire and rebuild, the project scope was vast
The 7-year project started with sourcing a train, to getting it delivered, stripped out and refitted, this complex project has seen more than 50 groups involved to bring the vision to life.
The train carriage now an all-weather community space, is available not just for the school, but the wider community too.
Partners within the community
The Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Community Development and Wellbeing team, worked closely with the school over a 2-year period to help secure some of the vital funding needed for the project.
Funding was received from:
- EFDC Public Health Community Grant Fund
- PFCC Community Safety Development Fund
- Opening Schools Facility Funding via Essex County Council
- Qualis Community Fund
- Community Safety Partnership
- Active Essex’s Family Summer Fun Day funding
The final contribution enabled the EFDC Community Health and Wellbeing team to deliver a programme of activities at the opening event, including the Youth Unity Media Van, smoothie bikes, King Ramps, circus skills workshops.
We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we’ve received from across our community and from all the partners who have supported us. Working with EFDC, our PTA and local businesses to help us with both funds and expertise.
Julie Hockley, Business Manager at Upshire Primary Foundation School
Getting maximum value
With the train carriage now operational, Upshire Primary Foundation School is working closely with the community and EFDC to maximise the space. As well as providing additional classroom space, the carriage will be used by the local youth club.
Building on the success of this initiative, Julie and the school are now embarking on a new venture to transform a second train carriage, further expanding the school’s community-focused facilities.
Any organisation interested in renting the space is invited to contact Upshire Primary Foundation School on 01992 715567 for more information.
An asset for the whole community
As Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this fantastic project. It is so special to see so many working together to create such a valuable asset for the whole community.
Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Louise Mead
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