The final plans for High Wycombe’s historic Brunel Engine Shed have been approved by Buckinghamshire Council.

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is opening a café, restaurant and gallery space in the Grade II-listed building, which was refurbished last year.

This month, the council has given its final sign-off on the university’s proposed use of the former railway shed designed by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Planning officers have approved the university’s detailed plans, covering letter and various mechanical and servicing drawings.

The approval was a technicality and a condition of the council’s main approval of BNU’s proposals back in February of this year.

READ MORE: Film crew shooting new movie in Wycombe branded ‘reckless’ over traffic and noise

The university’s main application was for internal and external alterations at Brunel Engine Shed at Station Approach.

These included alterations to windows, the installation of solar panels and roof lights, internal fit-out works including new floor and wall finishes, and the partitioning and insulation of the roof structure.

The new café and gallery space at the site is open to the public and provides workspace for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.

The council’s cabinet member for accessible housing and resources John Chilver said: “The existing building has been sympathetically restored to reflect its historic past.

“The original Engine Shed has been fitted with a new slate roof in keeping with its original Victorian character and the original timber queen post trusses designed by Brunel have been sensitively repaired.”

Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the shed for the Great Western Railway in 1854 and it functioned as Wycombe’s train station until 1864.

📰📰 Dive deeper into the stories that shape Bucks with the Bucks Free Press. Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80% fewer ads on our site. Subscribe now here for a faster news experience. #StayInformed