375 homEs to BE Built oN REDEVEloPED WolVERtoN WoRks sitE

One of Britain’s oldest railway works, Wolverton, is to be demolished as part of a redevelopment scheme which includes the construction of 375 new homes on the site. The news comes after the High Court dismissed Historic England’s objections to the plans, which aim to preserve part of the works’ infrastructure, including retaining façades of the carriage lifting shop, timber store and west paint shed, as well as the railway tracks and traverser. A spokesperson for St Modwen, which is redeveloping the site, said: “We welcome the court’s decision to dismiss the judicial review and uphold the planning permission for the regeneration of Wolverton works. We can now begin planning the delivery of our regeneration proposals, which will retain the heritage of Wolverton works through its ongoing rail use, securing hundreds of future rail‑related jobs on site, and providing further employment opportunities through the provision of small business units.

“Our vision will also deliver a mix of high‑quality homes for all ages, family sizes and needs, sitting within landscaped, planted green spaces for the whole of Wolverton to enjoy and provide new community space to house a heritage centre, and help to further promote the site’s railway inheritance.”

The home of the Royal Train, Wolverton was built in 1838 by the London & Birmingham Railway and has long been used for carriage maintenance.