Award-Winning Oswestry Railway Building Restoration Brings New Life to Historic Landmark

Published on December 5, 2025

Renown and accolades have come the way of Shropshire Council for the restoration of the Cambrian Railway building. Cambrian Railway building is over 150 years old and is based in the town of Oswestry. Shropshire Council restoration of the building from July 2024 to May 2025 was celebrated in the National Railway Heritage Awards where their restoration work was awarded the BAM Nuttall Partnership Awards due to the building’s rich heritage.

The Cambrian Railway building was constructed 1866 and was the principal office for Cambrian Railway with over local as well as district railway services. When the railway station was closed in 1966, the building was used for other but it eventually over time became derelict. Since the building had storm damage, it was purchased by Shropshire Council in 2023 and the Council was able to start work with the building in preservation.

Restoration Work: A Comprehensive Effort to Preserve Oswestry’s Heritage

The restoration project, which has garnered national recognition, included an extensive range of conservation efforts. The team worked on the building’s exterior, tackling crucial repairs that included the removal of dangerous asbestos tiles. They also painted the structure to restore its original appearance, and added ecological features, such as nest boxes for swifts in the eaves and bat roosting tiles along the roof.

The work was carried out by local building conservation specialists Phillips and Curry Ltd, a company known for its expertise in preserving historic sites. The funding for the restoration came from a combination of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and contributions from Shropshire Council, which underlined the importance of preserving the building for future generations. The building’s Grade II listed status adds to its value, ensuring that any restoration work must adhere to strict heritage conservation guidelines.

Oswestry’s Cambrian Railway Building: A Symbol of Local History and Community Pride

The Cambrian Railway station has a deep connection with Oswestry’s past and its role in connecting the town with North Wales. As the headquarters for the Cambrian Railway, it served as a key transportation hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries, helping to shape the local economy and development. The restoration work undertaken by Shropshire Council not only preserves the physical structure but also safeguards the building’s significance as a symbol of local heritage.

Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for finance, spoke about the importance of the project in securing a long-term future for the building. He explained that the restoration ensures the building remains safe and functional for generations to come, while also respecting its historical integrity. Shropshire Council aims to find a suitable long-term use for the building, ensuring that it continues to serve the community and acts as a reminder of the town’s rich railway heritage.

Award Recognition Highlights the Importance of Local Heritage Projects

The BAM Nuttall Partnership Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards is a significant recognition of the high-quality work completed on the Oswestry building. The award not only celebrates the restoration of a historic site but also brings attention to the wider efforts in the UK to preserve railway heritage. The restoration of the Cambrian Railway building stands as a model for other local projects, demonstrating the importance of community engagement in heritage preservation.

The National Railway Heritage Awards are a celebration of excellence in the conservation of railway buildings and structures across the UK. The recognition of Oswestry’s Cambrian Railway building reflects the growing appreciation for preserving historical buildings that serve as important links to the past. The award brings attention to the fact that local heritage sites, even those that may have fallen into disrepair, still hold immense cultural value.

The Future of Oswestry’s Cambrian Railway Building: A Space for the Community

Now that the building has been restored, it is being leased to Cambrian Heritage Railways, a local charity dedicated to preserving and promoting railway heritage. This partnership ensures that the building will continue to serve a vital role within the community. Cambrian Heritage Railways has plans to use the building to engage with visitors and educate them about the rich history of the Cambrian Railway and its impact on Oswestry and North Wales.

The project’s success highlights the potential for further heritage preservation initiatives within the region, offering a model for other towns with historical railway buildings. Shropshire Council’s involvement in the restoration, coupled with the support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, shows the importance of both local and national efforts to secure funding for the conservation of valuable cultural sites.

Conclusion: A Proud Moment for Oswestry and Heritage Conservation

The recognition of the Oswestry Cambrian Railway building’s restoration marks a proud moment for the town, the council, and the local community. The national award not only celebrates the physical restoration of the building but also underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. Shropshire Council’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the building ensures that it will remain a valuable asset to the community for many years to come.

As the building transitions into its next chapter under the stewardship of Cambrian Heritage Railways, the hope is that it will continue to inspire visitors, locals, and railway enthusiasts alike. The restoration serves as a reminder of the value of local history and the importance of protecting it for future generations.