Buckinghamshire Council is currently in negotiations over High Wycombe's newly restored Brunel Engine Shed following delays in the announcement of the new tenants.

In June 2022, the council hoped to announce the first tenants in the coming weeks but negotiations have continued into the new year.

A spokesperson has since revealed the council expects to announce who will occupy the space "shortly", with no time frame given.

Work on the 1854 original Grade II listed building, opposite the town's railway station, was finished in June last year with a modern zinc-clad extension added along with a new mezzanine level.

A council spokesperson said: "Work by Buckinghamshire Council to restore the Grade II listed Brunel Engine Shed in High Wycombe is now complete.

"We are currently in negotiation with a prospective tenant and expect to announce who will occupy the regenerated space at this iconic landmark shortly."

We previously asked readers what they would like to see open in the new building we were given responses of Little Waitrose, Tesco Express, Domino's Pizza and Starbucks.

One reader said: "Hopefully it will house a quality tenant like Little Waitrose or Co-op."

Graham Page added: "Looks stunning, what's it to be then, Tesco or Domino's?"

Others suggested it could be used as a live music venue whilst others hope a restaurant will be inside.

When developers provided initial details of the overhaul Trevor Snaith said it should be a "welcoming opening space", adding: "Something that acts as gateway to town as you arrive.

"Perhaps a piazza or gardens with a covered eating area with rustic or street food shared eating spaces."

Brandy Childs added: "Brunel Cafe lounge - great for commuters with good food and perhaps alcohol license for cocktails, good wine and nibbles in the evening.

"Brunel or Wycombe-themed decor, get the Bucks uni art students involved. Oozing with history. First impressions of High Wycombe for those stepping off the train!"

The site's revamp was part of a wider plan to overhaul what the council calls the 'Eastern Quarter' will developers saying their "sensitive" refurbishment will help "breathe new life" into the building.

The building has been unused and neglected for years but will now have a "welcoming new main entrance" facing the High Wycombe railway station.

In November 2018, the Bucks Free Press revealed the former Wycombe District Council decided to press on with a compulsory purchase order to take over the shed, which was owned by Chiltern Railways.

A published report by Buckinghamshire Council included an “approved budget” of £4 million to regenerate the Brunel Engine Shed.

The building was originally built by famous Victorian railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the nineteenth century.

It was the original train station and engine shed for High Wycombe until a new station was built to the north in 1864 when the train line extended to Thame.

The site then became the booking office, goods shed and engine workshop.

It was extended around 1870 and altered again around 1900. It continued in railway use until 1967 when the goods service was withdrawn.