TOWN councillors have unanimously approved the appointment of Maku Bakery to take over the lease of Saltash Railway Station’s Trackside Café, with the new operator aiming to open by the end of November or early December.

Saltash Town Council ratified the appointment following a competitive process to find a replacement for the current operator, Dawn Couch, whose partnership is due to end on October 31.

The decision was proposed by Councillor Sarah Gillies and seconded by Councillor Brian Stoyel, with members voting unanimously in favour.

The council received five applications for the concession, with all five candidates shortlisted for interview and four attending.

Following a comprehensive assessment, the interview panel selected Maku Bakery, describing its proposal as distinctive and community-focused, with potential for sustainable growth.

The new operator plans to offer opening hours broadly similar to those currently provided, trading from 7.15am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Maku Bakery is also keen to open on Saturdays, with hours to be reviewed in line with train timetables and periods of increased customer demand. Sunday opening is a longer-term ambition.

Following the decision, town clerk Sinead Burrows is now preparing the concession agreement, while work will be carried out at the premises before the new operator moves in.

Trackside Café could close slightly earlier than October 31, depending on arrangements to collect its coffee machine. The supplier does not undertake collections at weekends, meaning trading could end on October 29 or 30.

Once the premises have been vacated, the council’s Service Delivery Team will carry out maintenance improvements, alongside electrical work completed by its contractor.

Meanwhile, Maku Bakery also plans to refresh the interior, including redecorating selected walls and reviewing the layout and presentation of tables and seating.

The council said the changes would create a refreshed and welcoming environment for customers.

During the selection process, the interview panel was satisfied with the bakery’s plans for staffing and day-to-day operations.

Additional staff would be available through an established business run by the owner’s partner, helping cover periods of absence or increased demand. Experienced contacts would also provide support with the baking side of the operation when required.

Some menu items will be prepared and frozen in advance, with a tall freezer planned for the storeroom. The panel accepted that, given the demands of fresh baking and the proposed opening hours, certain items might not be available every day.

Trackside Café opened in June 2024 as the final stage of the major refurbishment of Isambard House, transforming the previously derelict station building into a community and passenger facility.

The £685,000 project included a public waiting room, café and toilet facilities, with Cornwall Council contributing £300,000 through its Local Transport Plan.

Over the past two years, the café has become an important part of station life, hosting community groups, catering for events and supporting local activities.

The town council previously praised Ms Couch and her team for helping establish Isambard House as a valued community asset, while confirming that the end of the current partnership would not mean the loss of café provision.