THE battle to transform an old railway station into a valuable community resource took a major step forward yesterday.

The scheme to turn the former Richmond Station into a multi-purpose business and community centre, including a cinema, has been given the seal of approval by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

The organisation has agreed to provide £240,000 towards the ambitious £2.3m project, paving the way for other backers to join the scheme.

A number of sponsors had already come forward, but the Yorkshire Forward pledge is expected to be the first part of a comprehensive funding package.

Applications will shortly be made to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. There will also be significant private sector investment into the project, along with donations from the public.

The plans include the development of conference facilities, high quality office space, workshops, meeting rooms, caf, restaurant and space for a local cheese manufacturer to relocate.

Yorkshire Forward spokesman Geoff Needham said: "The redevelopment of the station building represents an important part of our strategy in Richmondshire and will build on the success of other projects in the area.

"The project will provide much needed conference facilities and high quality office space in a gateway location close to the town centre."

One of the founding members of the Station Regeneration Project, Donald Cline, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the region's principal economic development agency has endorsed our proposals for the restoration of Richmond Station.

"This should give encouragement to all other potential funding partners to join us in helping to deliver this exciting project for Richmondshire."

The application to Yorkshire Forward for funding was made by Richmondshire District Council in partnership with the Preservation Trust

Geoff Thompson, of the council's economic unit, added: "The project will continue the programme of heritage-led regeneration in Richmond town and will serve as an economic driver for the area.

"We are very excited at the prospect of new job creation, increased tourism and improved services for local people."

The regeneration of the former station building forms part of Yorkshire Forward's action plan for the county and builds on previous projects in the area, including the Georgian Theatre Royal, Aske Stables, Colburn Business Park and Darlington College at Catterick.