EU referendum puts Malvern Road steam shed in jeopardy

Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has put the future of Malvern Road shed in jeopardy, as the site is to be redeveloped for housing following the relocation of its former occupier. Closed in 1963, the former GWR shed (85B) survived in industrial use and was latterly the timber store for builder’s merchant, Travis Perkins. However, the company said that “trading uncertainty” in the wake of the EU referendum would result in the closure of over 30 branches, including the Malvern Road site. A total of 107 houses are to be built on the site of the former Gloucester sub‑ shed, and it is understood that the developer, Taylor Wimpey Homes, will begin demolition early this year. Despite the shed being clad in modern corrugated aluminium sheeting, a number of steam‑era relics survive to this day, including the GWR‑monogrammed cast iron gates at the entrance to the site. According to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway’s Press Officer, Ian Crowder, so does the foreman’s office and inspection pits. “The last time I visited to buy some timber, an elderly member of staff said: ‘It’s all still under there,’ as he tapped the floor with his foot. ‘The pits were filled with rubble from the site clearance and a concrete floor laid on top. It was too much hassle to dig out the rails so they were just covered over!’’’ Visitors might mistake the soot‑stained roof for steam‑era patina, but “the same chap was quick to point out: ‘Much of the roof was renewed when we developed the site. But that soot is from a fire in the building a few years ago, not from the days of steam!’” Cheltenham Spa Malvern Road station was closed to both passengers and goods in 1966.