Victorian-inspired kiosk will open on railway platform

A new kiosk selling refreshments is set to be built on the Cuckoo Trail.

The Horam Hub, as it will be called, was given the green light by Wealden District Council at a recent planning committee meeting.

The new kiosk will be on the old railway platform of the former Horam Railway Station, which is now part of the popular Cuckoo Trail.

This is just one of several upgrades planned for the trail, all part of the recently developed Cuckoo Trail Masterplan.

The plan was made after talking with community members and local partners, and doing user research.

The new building will be made of brick with a zinc roof, featuring a canopy, public toilets, and a space where light refreshments can be sold.

The design is inspired by traditional railway buildings, similar to those that might have been at the site in the past.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, who is the lead councillor for public health and Asset Management, said: "It is an exciting project which I am pleased has been able to move forward.

"The Cuckoo Trail is one of the council’s biggest and most used assets and we are working to make it a place that residents and visitors make use of.

"The trail is used by a range of people including commuters, dog walkers, cyclists and runners and with the introduction of the new kiosk it will add a social element to encourage people along the Cuckoo Trail.

"The design has been carefully thought out to keep with the Victorian character which will transport visitors back in time with its charming architecture and ambiance."

The work on the Horam Hub is set to start in the next few weeks.

The council plans to keep the trail open during the construction, although there will be times when it has to be closed, with detours in place.

The kiosk and other trail improvements will be funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Funding.