SVR Bridgnorth Station Site Development Master Plan given go-ahead

News of the much-anticipated planning approval was celebrated by the SVR’s Bridgnorth Development Project Team, which had undertaken years of extensive internal and external consultation, planning, surveys, assessments and research to put the project application together.

The go-ahead will herald the start of an ambitious three-phase redevelopment project – the most significant in the Railway’s 51-year history – to dramatically improve facilities at Bridgnorth, the SVR’s northern terminus, creating a welcoming station and a fitting gateway to the Severn Valley Railway and the town of Bridgnorth.

The entire project is estimated to cost around £5 million and news of the planning approval has triggered the launch of an extensive fund-raising campaign by the Railway to raise the money to fulfil the plans of phase one and phase two. This winter will see the launch of a 2016 Share Offer with a sole focus on raising funds for the Bridgnorth Project.

Widely credited with being the ‘Birthplace of the SVR’, much of Bridgnorth’s infrastructure and facilities date back to 1862, and are in need of conservation and considered enhancement to cope with the sheer volume of passengers visiting the Railway.

Phase one of the re-development will consist of two projects– the first, the construction of a Great Western Railway c1900 style single-storey building to the south of the existing Bridgnorth station building, housing a traditional tea/refreshment room where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments while waiting for their train. New toilet facilities will also be housed within this building.

The second project will focus on the conservation of a unique piece of railway history as the listed station building will undergo repairs and sensitive improvement. The works package will include an extension of the bar and seating area in the Railwayman’s Arms public house, the relocation and renewal of retail and heritage areas, a new disabled toilet and the restoration of the 150 year-old Booking Hall, returning it to its former glory.

The second phase of the project, and subject to available funding, will include further development of the Bridgnorth station site. Of particular interest to the public will be the installation of a turntable in the locomotive yard which will allow locomotives to be turned in full view of passengers and onlookers- a spectacle often hidden from public view.

Also in this phase will be the creation of an additional car park, with a one-way system and new exit driveway to Oldbury Road. The third phase will comprise the construction of a 53-bed volunteer accommodation building, though funding to complete the substantial works first needs to be secured.

Nick Ralls, SVR General Manager, said: “We are delighted that work on this long-awaited project can now begin. The project will respect the historic integrity of the site but it will also provide much needed improvements to our facilities enabling us to cope with the demands of the large volume of passengers who now visit Bridgnorth Station and town on an annual basis, far in excess of the numbers who used the station in its days as a country town station.”

He added: “It is very fitting that, just having celebrated its 50th anniversary, the SVR could be embarking on such a ground-breaking project that promises to not only secure its future as one of the region’s stand-out visitor attractions, but to also continue its significant contribution to the local economy for the next 50 years and beyond.”

The Bridgnorth station site, extending over 2.86 hectares, from Hollybush Road to Oldbury Road has considerable historical significance, and, as well as Bridgnorth’s period buildings, it also includes a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The SVR has worked closely alongside Historic England to ensure that Pan Pudding Hill, a 12th century siegework overlooking the Railway at the southern end of the station, is rightfully preserved and the heritage of the site as a whole is enhanced.