A well-known town centre club that closed after 132 years could become a community hub after it was sold.
The Eastleigh Railway Institute, which closed in early 2024, has been sold to Junction Church, a nearby charity that has been searching for a new home since 2022.
Having outgrown its home of 10 plus years in Smith Bradbeer House on High Street, the charity now aims to turn the premises into a 'home for the church and a hub for the community'.
The new owners had previously worked to ensure existing users were able to continue their activities during the transition period and are now keen to see past users continue to make use of the historic site.
Dan Brain, from Junction Church, said: "We are delighted to be able to continue to host long-standing users of the premises, such as the Eastleigh Railway Bowling Club, Hampshire Woodturners’ Association, Eastleigh Folk Dance Club, The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society and Solent Aviation Society to name a few.
"Alongside our own community groups, like our Womens’ Craft Club, DARE to play and our ever-popular Pop in Tots on Wednesdays, we want to see the building become a bustling ‘railhead’, a hive of activity, a place enjoyed by everyone in the months and years to come.’
The building is available for hire for corporate meetings, events, community groups and private hire with some great package offers coming up for kids’ parties in particular.
The owners are expected to reveal long-term plans for the site in the New Year.
Senior Church Leader David Lockyer added: "This is a milestone moment for us as a church and we are excited about the opportunities that this will create, both for us as a congregation as well as for the wider community.
"Our desire is that we build on the past history of the premises and continue to see the facility used as a place where groups can gather as well as serving the life and mission of our church community.
"We want to thank the members and Trustees of the ERI for their stewardship of the premises and the members of the church who have generously released the resources necessary to complete the purchase."
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