Planning application approved for refurbishment and expansion of 1854 Brunel Engine Shed in High Wycombe

Matthew Clark | April 28, 2020

A view of the refurbished Brunel Shed as seen from Amersham Hill. (Image supplied by Hawkins\Brown)

A planning application has been approved for the refurbishment and expansion of 1854 Brunel Engine Shed in Amersham Hill, High Wycombe.

The planning application will see the sensitive refurbishment of the Grade II listed Victorian building in Amersham Hill, High Wycombe with space for a mix of both new and commercial uses.

An extension to the original structure, with zinc cladding, will mirror the form of the existing building. There will also be the addition of a 6,000 sq ft mezzanine level which will almost doubles the floorspace on site to 13,560 sq ft.

The interior following the proposed refurbishment. (Image supplied by Hawkins\Brown)

Architects Hawkins\Brown have won the planning consent for the refurbishment and extension working with engineers Heyne Tillett Steel on behalf of the former Wycombe District Council, now Buckinghamshire Council, who acquired the site in 2019.

The refurbishment of the Brunel Shed will see an improved landscaping as well as a welcoming new main entrance facing High Wycombe Railway Station.

A view of the what the Brunel Shed will look like after refurbishment, with the extension to the rear. (Image supplied by Hawkins\Brown)

A new roof will restore the original character of the building and access will be improved with step free access from the main entrance, accessible toilets and a new lift to the mezzanine level of the extension.

Standing seam zinc cladding will be applied to the structure of the new building to create an extension that reflects modern structural engineering in the same spirit that the building reflects the Victorian era.

The project will see the re-use of original materials found on site, such as railway sleepers and original timber trusses. The building will also make use of natural ventilation.

The current interior of the Brunel Shed. (Image supplied by Hawkins\Brown)

Deputy Leader of Buckinghamshire Council and former Leader of Wycombe District Council, Cllr Katrina Wood, said: ‘A key focus for Buckinghamshire Council is working with and in support of businesses to grow the local economy.

Wycombe District Council took a proactive and popular step to buy and develop this site for the benefit of High Wycombe.

Hawkins\Brown have provided an appealing design that will make this an iconic first view of the town, an attractive opportunity for the right tenants and an exciting step in the regeneration of Wycombe’s Eastern Quarter.‘

Nicola Rutt, Partner and Head of Workplace at Hawkins\Brown, said: ‘The grade II listed engine shed has all the characteristics that make former industrial buildings such fantastic candidates for rehabilitation with flexible and robust, high-volume spaces and a rich history.‘

Full details of the approved planning application can be viewed on the Buckinghamshire Council, Wycombe Area, ‘Public Access’ planning website using reference 20/05133/FUL.