Access CTV Atlantic's recent story on our train station here: N.S. town’s historic train station sold privately, building preserved
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Jeff Bembridge is an Amherst entrepreneur who is also a passionate rehabilitator of historic properties.
“I like buying old buildings because they have a soul and I like to fix them up, because I think people need memories,” explained Bembridge. “When I buy a building, one of the first things I do is I go in the basement by myself and I talk to the building; I explain ‘We’re going to help each other here – I’m going to revive you – we’re going to succeed together.’”
One of Bembridge’s most recent acquisitions was the Amherst Train Station, which was the result of a years-long process.
When the intercolonial railway came to Amherst in the 1870s a station was built to serve the community on this critical new transportation corridor. By the end of the 19th century, Amherst had transformed into a major industrial hub and a new train station was required to meet the demands of transporting goods and passengers, as well as to better represent the role of “Busy Amherst” in the provincial and national economies.
“Our current, grand sandstone train station was constructed in 1909, and was one of the largest to be built in the province,” said Amherst Mayor David Kogon. “In the 100 years after the station’s construction, the way that rail service was used in Nova Scotia changed a great deal – particularly passenger service – and there came a point that VIA Rail chose to divest itself of the Amherst Train Station.”
After years of negotiations, a deal was finalized in 2019 that saw the Town take ownership of the structure, while VIA remained as a tenant with access to a passenger waiting area.
A call for proposals issued by the Town received one response, from Jeff Bembridge, who wanted to move his Bambino’s Pizzeria & Fine Foods restaurant from Prince Arthur Street to the train station. The proposal was accepted and Bembridge entered into a five-year lease-to-own agreement with the Town, after which time the train station would belong to him.
“Renovations were principally Bembridge’s responsibility, and included replacement of plumbing and electrical, roofing, insulation, interior re-finishing and more,” said Kogon. “The Town of Amherst assisted with the cost of replacing the building’s boiler, and VIA Rail also contributed financially.”
In February of 2021, Bembridge re-opened his restaurant in the Amherst Train Station location. It’s been a good move for Bembridge who enjoys the quirks of working in the historic structure alongside an active rail line.
“We get crew members coming in from the trains to buy food, and we have the passenger waiting area at the end of the building; that’s on a GPS system to unlock the door one hour before the arrival of the train.”
After five years of operating his restaurant at the train station as a tenant he now owns the building, cementing Bembridge’s responsibility for safeguarding another of Amherst’s architectural treasures. The Town still owns and manages the parking area, and VIA Rail owns the platform.
Via Rail Canada's passenger train The Ocean makes a stop at the Amherst train station on its way from Halifax to Montreal on a recent sunny afternoon.
“The transition (from renting to ownership) was very smooth,” said Bembridge. “I know the building is structurally sound now in every aspect possible. It has a future. It should be around for another hundred years – no problem.”
It’s clear the new owner is proud of his work to restore this historic structure, describing how the station’s second floor was never used; it wasn’t even a finished space until he took over the building. Bembridge plans to use second floor space for his business operations, once approvals are in place to permit some historically-sensitive exterior work to proceed.
“Even after 115 years, the building continues to evolve,” Mayor Kogon shared. “But now – for the first time ever as a privately-owned structure – the Amherst Train Station generates tax revenue for the Town.”
This outcome is a best-case scenario for our community. With the train station restored, well cared for, and helping to contribute to our local economy, we are sure to continue making memories and benefiting from its historic charm for a long time to come.
