Former Balvi station draws people back as couple restore building

A historic railway station in Kubuli Parish, Balvi Municipality, is being restored by local couple Uldis and Zanda Arnicāni, LSM reported. Trains no longer stop there and the tracks were dismantled years ago, but the building is gradually attracting people again.

The couple plan to turn the more than century-old station into a public creative quarter with a history exhibition, event and workshop spaces, rooms for hire, and a collection of local residents’ memories.

They have already repaired the roof to prevent water from entering the building, but much work remains. The former station still contains traces of its past, including the waiting room, buffet and stationmaster’s rooms. Old signs also survive, including one reading, “Check your money before leaving the cashier’s window,” and another marking the stationmaster’s office.

“People bought tickets here, waited for trains and set off on journeys, while freight arrived by rail,” the Arnicāni couple said, describing the station’s former role.

The couple bought the building three years ago after seeing an advertisement for its sale. Uldis said he had previously studied at the station and lived about two kilometres away, but had not initially considered using the building for a project.

Local residents are also helping with the restoration by donating money, building materials, tools and skilled labour. Cultural events are already being held at the station, and interactive activities for visitors are being developed.

The station’s history began in 1902 with the construction of the narrow-gauge Pitalova-Sita railway line. The line was closed in 2001.