About Us
Find out more about who we are, what we do, and how the station building has become a vibrant community hub.
At The Local Motive, our mission is to sustain and grow a vibrant, inclusive community and arts centre within Mytholmroyd’s restored Grade II Listed Station Building — a space run by the community, for the community.
We exist to enrich lives through creativity, connection, and opportunity. By providing affordable studio and workspace for artists, small businesses, and social enterprises, we foster innovation, collaboration and local enterprise. Through accessible community space and a year-round programme of events and activities, we bring people together, reduce isolation, and support wellbeing.
We are committed to maintaining this historic building as a welcoming, inspiring place that reflects the spirit of Mytholmroyd — a place where people feel proud, supported, and connected. Our work strengthens the local economy, celebrates creative expression, and builds a more resilient and inclusive future for all.
We continue to listen, adapt and grow with our community — shaping a shared space that meets local needs and invites everyone to take part.
The Local Motive’s objective is to empower our local community to build a thriving hub around Mytholmroyd Station — one that radiates creativity, connection and opportunity into our town and beyond.
Our journey began in 2006 with the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership, which transformed the surroundings of the station into a cared-for and attractive public space. As proud members of the Community Rail Network, we connect people with their railways to deliver lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits.
In 2017, we established ourselves as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the vision of rescuing the then-derelict Station Building. Over the years, we’ve raised funds, built partnerships, and engaged the community — and in 2024, we secured the final resources needed to begin the long-awaited renovation.
In August 2025, we proudly opened the doors of our beautifully restored Grade II Listed Station Building as a fully operational community and arts centre. This space now offers welcoming community rooms and inspiring artist studios, creating a dynamic, inclusive environment for local people, creatives, and small enterprises.
Now open, The Local Motive is a vibrant, community-run hub that supports creativity, connection and local pride — a place for Mytholmroyd to come together, thrive, and grow.
The Local Motive’s objective is to empower our local community to build a thriving hub around Mytholmroyd Station — one that radiates creativity, connection and opportunity into our town and beyond.
Our journey began in 2006 with the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership, which transformed the surroundings of the station into a cared-for and attractive public space. As proud members of the Community Rail Network, we connect people with their railways to deliver lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits.
In 2017, we established ourselves as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the vision of rescuing the then-derelict Station Building. Over the years, we’ve raised funds, built partnerships, and engaged the community — and in 2024, we secured the final resources needed to begin the long-awaited renovation.
In August 2025, we proudly opened the doors of our beautifully restored Grade II Listed Station Building as a fully operational community and arts centre. This space now offers welcoming community rooms and inspiring artist studios, creating a dynamic, inclusive environment for local people, creatives, and small enterprises.
Now open, The Local Motive is a vibrant, community-run hub that supports creativity, connection and local pride — a place for Mytholmroyd to come together, thrive, and grow.
Meet the dedicated team behind our community hub — a group of passionate individuals working together to breathe new life into our historic railway station. From managing daily operations to supporting local artists and planning events, each team member plays a vital role in making this space welcoming, inclusive, and full of creative energy. Here’s who’s helping keep the heart of our station beating strong..
The Station Building, Mytholmroyd, a Grade II listed building, built c1871-74, is sited within the Conservation area of New Road, Mytholmroyd. The building is currently empty and has been closed since the 1980s. It became derelict, vandalised and an eyesore in the centre of the Conservation area of New Road. No longer required by the rail industry, and ever at risk of demolition until the local community stated their interest in the building.
The original use was as a railway station building, supplying train tickets, information and waiting rooms for the travelling public – unusually part of the building was the station master’s residence until the 1960’s. There are no plans to re-use the building as a residence.
Despite advertising in the regional property market since the building closed in the 1980s, the owner (Network Rail) found no interest that would generate a commercial rent through trading. Therefore, Network Rail offered a 25 Year Lease at a peppercorn rent to the CIO.
In 2024 the CIO were awarded £293,000 from the Community Ownership Fund, the final monies required to transform the building and install amenities to facilitate opening on a permanent basis.
The building is set to re-open in 2025, 150 years since it first opened.
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Your support helps us keep the old station building thriving as a space for creativity, community, and connection. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference — helping us run events, support local artists, and keep our doors open to everyone.