Cambrian Station Building | Shropshire Council

The Cambrian Station Building, a Grade 2 listed building owned by Shropshire Council, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1860s. Originally serving as both the local railway station and the headquarters of the Cambrian Railway, it played a crucial role in connecting the communities of Oswestry and North Wales. The building, while still in use by the Cambrian Heritage Railway on a seasonal basis, requires significant investment to make it safe and ensure that it's usable.

Work undertaken to date

Recognising the historical significance and the current state of disrepair, we've initiated a comprehensive programme of work. Immediate repairs are underway, funded by both UK Shared Prosperity and Shropshire Council. These efforts include restoring the exterior of the building, making it safe from falling masonry, removing asbestos tiles, replacing them with Welsh slate, and repainting the windows and doors in Cambrian Railway colours. Additionally, we commissioned Insall Architects to conduct a series of studies to guide the restoration and future use of the building.

This has resulted in the production of three documents:

A conservation management plan which sets out the historic and architectural significance of the building and how it should be conservated
A detailed building condition survey of further work that is required
A feasibility study looking at how the building might best be used in the future

Urgent need due to safety concerns

The urgency of these repairs can't be overstated. The immediate repairs were essential to address safety concerns such as falling masonry and the presence of asbestos.

Planned work

Looking ahead, the next steps involve developing plans, seeking funding, and obtaining planning permission for the internal restoration and re-use of the building. The proposals include renovating and adapting the first floor for residential properties, and working with the Cambrian Heritage Railway to consider future plans to make the building useable all year, and make best use of the building and its location.