Old railway station restoration nearly complete

A listed railway station dating back to the 1860s is to be unveiled in Shropshire following restoration works.

A £900,000 project to restore the Grade II-listed Cambrian Station Building in Oswestry began a year ago and scaffolding has covered the structure during the repairs.

Shropshire Council said the scaffolding was now being taken down and would be removed in time for Easter.

The council's senior project management officer, Peter Gilbertson, said: "This building holds significant cultural value for our community, and these essential repairs ensure it remains safe and usable for future generations."

The building once served as the town's railway station and the headquarters of Cambrian Railways, which merged with Great Western Railway in 1922.

The station closed to passengers in 1966, but is still used seasonally by the Cambrian Heritage Railway.

The project to restore it has been funded by Shropshire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which was set up by the previous government.

Shropshire Council said the work included fixing and restoring the building's exterior, removing and replacing asbestos roof tiles, and painting windows and doors in Cambrian Railway colours.

Nesting boxes for swifts and roosting tiles for bats have also been installed.

The council added that further work on the interior of the building was being planned for 2025, subject to grant funding being available.

"We're so pleased that the scaffolding is finally coming down, and in time for Easter," said Mr Gilbertson.

"If you're in and around Oswestry over the Easter break, please go and take a look. It really is a beautiful building and we're proud to be involved in securing its future."

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