Notice on The Brunel Shed, High Wycombe

Image: © David Hillas Taken: 11 Jul 2014

This photo shows the notice on The Brunel Shed in Amersham Hill. It says the following: THE BRUNEL SHED High Wycombe's original Train Station is a Grade II Listed Building designed by great Briton Isambard Kingdom Brunel. (i) The Building This significant building is the original 1854 Wycombe train terminus designed by Brunel - recently voted second most influential Briton in history - as part of his celebrated Great Western Railway. Later it became the booking office, locomotive storage shed and engine workshop when the existing station was constructed in 1864. In 1870 it was converted to a goods shed and has had various uses since. It was saved from demolition in 2009 when it received Gared II listing because it is one of only a few left in the country. (ii) The Project This innovative project to raise the profile of the historic Brunel Shed is being undertaken and funded by HWBIDCo and Chiltern Railways in collaboration with local companies, gardeners, artists, craftsmen and keen volunteers. It aims to draw attention to this fascinating Victorian building once again. The High Wycombe Brunel Shed remains full of potential: an inspiring space and a true asset to the town. (iii) The Garden The garden has been designed by Chiltern Rangers and Grow Wild, and planted with the help of volunteers. It features contemporary free thinking rather than formal Victorian. There is a floral lawn garden sown with native wild flowers, that has seasonal delights including a poppy tribute for the WWI Centenary. There are also recycled railway sleeper beds containing pollinators to attract insects like butterflies and bees which in turn encourage wildlife. (iv) The Mural Following a public call for submissions in the Bucks Free Press, this design by local artist Dan Wilson aka Decreate was chosen because it showcases the heritage of the site, proudly displaying how it may have looked in the 1860s, and features an Iron Duke locomotive. Dan & Soulful Creative have hand-painted the "trompe l'oeil" effect mural which also brings attention to the traditional crafts & skills that have long been found in High Wycombe and the wider District. For more information please visit the Station Waiting Rooms and www.hwbidco.co.uk .

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