Planning consent is granted for Bridgnorth station refurbishment
PLANNING permission and listed building consent has been granted for the Severn Valley Railway's refurbishment of Bridgnorth station.
As reported last issue, the SVR plans to renovate the Grade II listed 1862 building with internal alterations to the waiting room, an extension to the bar area of the Railwayman's Arms pub, and the reconstruction of the parcels office at the northern end which is suffering from structural movement.
The SVR is now seeking Building Regulations Approval and preparing the structural calculations required, sending invitations to contractors to tender for the main works, and obtaining quotes for the electrical work, fitting out the shop and refurbishing the pub.
The project will include interpretation of the building's history, and the SVR is appealing for historical photographs and stories about the station – in particular the parcels office, which was constructed in 1940 when Bridgnorth was the location of a large RAF basic training camp for about 3000 recruits. To contribute, email victoria.evans@svrlive.com
SVR general manager Helen Smith said: “We will only know the timescales of the project when the selected contractor confirms the price and their availability.
“We need to do the works in the shutdown period, which will be January to March of either 2022 or 2023.
“As you may be aware, the current climate makes it difficult to gain commitments from contractors due to the pandemic and the lasting effects of Brexit.
“Both of these are causing supply issues for both staff and materials for all construction companies.”