Multi Million Pounds Rail Station Re-Fit Gets HBPW Stamp

As Newbury station gets its biggest makeover in decades, HBPW has proudly left its stamp on part of a project that will prove instrumental in boosting the Berkshire town’s economic fortunes.

The multi million pounds redevelopment began in 2021 and, along with new ticket gates and an open-plan ticket area, the station now has an enlarged waiting room, café, toilets and a lift as well as space for 300-cycles and a new 160-space multi-storey car park.

Allied to this HBPW has worked with Nationwide Engineering Group to develop ‘The Engine Shed’, home to three new business growth units, each designed to support the town’s wider economic ambitions. It is located on the south side of the station where there is also improved pedestrian and bus access.

HBPW Partner, Emyr Parry, said: “Great Western Railway has collaborated with West Berkshire Council, Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Network Rail and ourselves and Nationwide to bring this entire scheme to fruition.

“We designed the building foundations for The Engine Shed, a single structure divided into three units, along with steelwork design. This superb building will definitely play its part in raising Newbury’s economic profile.”

A spokesperson for Nationwide Engineering added: “The steel frame building incorporates a Vieo steel cladding roof, traditional brickwork walls and curtain wall glazing to create a fantastic industrial look.”

The Railway Heritage Trust supported the wider project with a £55,000 grant. Executive Director, Tim Hedley-Jones, said: “The RHT is really pleased to see that the refurbishment of 1847-built Newbury station has been done with consideration to its historic fabric.

The station is located within Newbury town centre and has a direct mainline service to London Paddington. Redevelopment work is expected to be completed by Spring.