A Grade-II listed railway shed in High Wycombe designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel will reopen as a café and events space early next year, it has been confirmed.

The Brunel Engine Shed, which served as the town’s railway station until 1864, was partially demolished in 2009 before the former Wycombe District Council – now Buckinghamshire Council – stepped in to save it in the following decade.

Originally designed by Brunel, who was also the brains behind Bristol’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, the site has undergone “respectful” repairs under the council’s watch, including the installation of a new slate roof and a refurb of its Victorian queen post trusses.

And the unitary authority established a leasehold deal with Buckinghamshire New University for use of the shed last year – recently approving a series of alterations to transform it into a brand-new café and events space.

(Image: NQ/BNU)

The university, which is based in High Wycombe and recently ranked top in the south-east for spending on new facilities, has confirmed that the space will open to the public in early 2025.

It means the last few months of this year are sure to be a hive of activity on Station Approach, as contractor ODGroup hastens to install newly approved features including an underfloor heating system, solar panels and power, data and audio-visual systems ahead of the opening.

Nick Braisby, vice-chancellor of BNU, said the new space was just part of the institution's new public and civic engagement strategy, aimed at boosting its “contributions to the High Wycombe area” – which have already spanned “retraining ex-servicemen in furniture-making and upholstery after the First World War to tackling food and hygiene poverty”.

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(Image: NQ/BNU)

He also said he was “delighted” to be working with the council to “bring a wonderful building back to life and provide the community with a new space to meet, showcase art and culture and promote economic growth”.

Meanwhile, John Chilver, cabinet member for accessible housing and resources at Buckinghamshire Council, focused on the “sympathetic” nature of the restoration work which was reportedly carefully chosen to “reflect its historic past”.

The soon-to-be venue, which will also function as a workspace for budding entrepreneurs and student start-ups, has already been fitted out with step-free access, roof lights and surrounding landscaping and can be found directly opposite Wycombe train station.

Speaking last year, Rachael Matthews, deputy cabinet member for town centre regeneration, said the site “supports our vision for High Wycombe town centre, where local businesses can thrive and flourish” in a space that “reflects the best of our past and looks towards the future”.