Old Station Sale sees building ‘back with railway family’
NETWORK Rail has bought a Grade I listed station in Bristol that was designed by 19th century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
The acquisition of Bristol Old Station from the city council brings the building back into railway ownership for the first time since rail privatisation in the mid-1990s.
Yesterday’s announcement came on the 161st anniversary of Brunel’s death on September 15, 1859.
The building, which is now home to business incubator Engine Shed and events space Passenger Shed, was Bristol’s first railway station when it opened in 1840 as the western terminus of the Great Western Railway from London Paddington.
It remains one of the oldest surviving railway stations in Britain.
Network Rail said it plans to maintain commercial uses in the building, while implementing a programme to restore the Grade I listed facilities.
The plans are in line with proposals for the wider station area under the emerging Bristol Temple Quarter masterplan, according to the railway operator.
Stuart Kirkwood, acting group property director, at Network Rail Property said: “We are very pleased to have brought this iconic building back into railway ownership.
“This is a landmark site with historical significance for the nation and for Network Rail as a company. We are looking forward to revitalising the building for the enjoyment of passengers, tenants and the local community.
“This refurbishment is part of our wider strategy to create great places for business and communities to thrive, supporting economic growth and regeneration in towns and cities across the UK.”
Mike Gallop, route managing director, Western Route, Network Rail, added: “It is an honour to have this historic building in Network Rail ownership.
“The building deserves the best care it can get, and we are planning to do just that. I trust that Brunel would be pleased to know that his first station in Bristol is back where it belongs – within the railway family that will care and cherish it.”
The Passenger Shed events space at Bristol Old Station