30/03/2023 - Permalink

Iconic heritage railway building returns to Shropshire Council ownership

Related topics: Assets and estates / Economic growth / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

Shropshire Council has recently completed the surrender back to the council of a lease of the historic, Grade II listed Old Station Building at the Cambrian Heritage Railways site on Oswald Street in Oswestry. Cambrian Heritage Railways will continue to operate their ticket office from within the building for the Cambrian Railways whilst the council looks at future usage.

The council will continue to carry out essential repairs to the exterior of the building to ensure that this heritage property, with a rich history dating back to 1848, is preserved for the future.

Cambrian Heritage Railway, operated from the site, is a popular tourist attraction for the market town of Oswestry and opens from Easter to Autumn each year.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth, regeneration and housing, said:-

“As the local unitary council, we’re really pleased to have secured the opportunity to impact the future of a building with such heritage in Shropshire.

“In the short term, we’re working closely with Cambrian Heritage Railways and Oswestry Town Council to ensure the premises are being cared for accordingly, as the opening at Easter nears.

“The building is currently undergoing some repairs, and we know that the local community are eager to see the exterior scaffolding removed. The scheme is set to be completed in the next few months.

“Thank you to the Oswestry community for their patience during this time; it hopefully won’t be too much longer until the historic railway building can be unveiled again.”

Philip Ellson, head of visitor services at Cambrian Heritage Railways, said:-

“At Cambrian Heritage Railways we are extremely grateful to Shropshire Council for allowing us the continued use of the ground floor area of Oswestry Station and Ticket Hall, which is such an important asset for us as we start the next season of running train services from Oswestry to Weston Wharf this Easter. We recognise the historic importance of the building, and we are very keen to do all we can to help preserve the fabric until such time as a more permanent usage agreement can be sought.“

Duncan Kerr, local Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry South, added:-

“This is an iconic and much-loved building which is a key part of Oswestry’s heritage and could become a vital component of its future. A decade ago the building was home to many successful small businesses, which must give us all hope that life can return once again. Clearly the building now requires considerable investment, and I will continue to advocate for the building under Levelling Up and other funding programmes.”