Train carriage to be transformed into café at Kent school
Five Acre Wood School in Kent is getting a one of a kind café, with a 25 tonne train carriage being transformed into a catering hub onsite at the school.
The carriage was first held overnight at a service station near Great Yarmouth. Following its delivery to the school, the train was lowered into place via crane as students, parents, and staff watched on.
Transporting the carriage proved difficult, with a number of delays and re-routes setting back its eventual arrival at the school.
Natalie Knight, area manager at Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “We came down and did the initial look at the site three months ago.
“We had to figure out where to put the cranes and how we would actually lift such a heavy item. But it has all come together and it’s just so amazing.”
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The structure is a Mark 2 carriage, which was built by British Rail between 1964 and 1975. This decision to transform the carriage was made in July when Five Acre Wood was granted planning permission.
Eastern Railway Services donated the carriage, it is to be named the FAWrient Express, taken from the school’s acronym.
Pupils will be able to prepare, serve and sell drinks and snacks to parents, staff and visitors in the community.
FAWrient Express will have both takeaway and eat in services, hosting up to 26 customers at once.
Head teacher Tim Williams said: “It felt like Christmas Eve last night, I couldn’t sleep. A mixture of excitement and a little bit of worry – but now that it’s here, it is incredible.
“We always wanted to do something different. We were never going to have a little kiosk where you’d serve tea and coffee, we wanted to do something big.
“I’m very grateful to all of our supporters and thankful for everything they have done for us.”
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