Social enterprise moves into refurbished community space at Heaton Chapel station

Social enterprise, Flourish Together CIC, has taken up residence in a newly refurbished space at Heaton Chapel station in Stockport.

The organisation provides a consultancy service to others with ideas to set up or scale up their own social ventures and create the change they see is needed in their community.

The first floor space in the station building has undergone a recent transformation following investment by rail operator, Northern. Flourish Together’s occupancy will also see the station become home to a programme of activities and events, including a monthly pop-up spa offering beauty, wellbeing and holistic therapies at affordable prices. 

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern said:

“At Northern, we want our stations are more than just places to travel to and from, we want to put our customers at the heart of everything we do.

“This scheme is the perfect example of this, and we’re excited to welcome Flourish Together into its new home.”  

Nickala Torkington, founder and director of Flourish Together CIC, said:

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring our knowledge, skills and networks to the area and regenerate this fabulous character building and offer much needed, affordable working spaces and a new small venue for community groups and events.”  

The refurbished space at Heaton Chapel station is part of the wider Action Stations programme to open community hubs in stations, with Heaton Chapel one of three stations to benefit in Greater Manchester, alongside Altrincham and Trafford Park stations in Trafford.

Action Stations, was set up by The Station Alliance, which includes representation from Northern, Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester, London Continental Railway and Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation. 

Michael Keating, station development Manager at Transport for Greater Manchester said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Flourish , The Hub and also The Well Being Rooms to our GM Stations.  

“Transport for Greater Manchester is proud of the work that the Stations Alliance has achieved by ensuring that disused buildings at our rail stations can now be utilised to offer services for the local communities that they serve.”  

Alex Bowker, senior development manager at LCR, said:

“Our work with Action Stations means we’re always thinking about how to bring the most value to the communities we operate in. We’re confident that the newly developed space in Heaton Chapel will see social enterprises in the area flourish and find a home for future-proofing their ideas.”