Derelict Engine Shed to become new University of Northampton Students' Union building

The University of Northampton Students' Union has received a grant of £1.3 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the restoration of its Engine Shed building on the university's new campus.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Oct 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 17:11 BST
A 19th Century Engine Shed is to be renovated into a new Student's Union building for the University of Northampton thanks to a £1.3 million lottery grantA 19th Century Engine Shed is to be renovated into a new Student's Union building for the University of Northampton thanks to a £1.3 million lottery grant
A 19th Century Engine Shed is to be renovated into a new Student's Union building for the University of Northampton thanks to a £1.3 million lottery grant

The money will be used to renovate the Grade Two listed shed, built in 1873, and adjacent office buildings at the junction of the main London and North Western Railway line and the former Northampton branch line.

The vacant building will be brought back into use as a new home for the Students’ Union and the work will maintain the building’s structural roof trusses, windows and decorative brickwork will also be retained alongside original train tracks, which will be carefully recovered and replaced following development works.

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Liam Bligh, president of the Students’ Union, said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

A 19th Century Engine Shed is to be renovated into a new Student's Union building for the University of Northampton thanks to a £1.3 million lottery grantA 19th Century Engine Shed is to be renovated into a new Student's Union building for the University of Northampton thanks to a £1.3 million lottery grant
A 19th Century Engine Shed is to be renovated into a new Student's Union building for the University of Northampton thanks to a £1.3 million lottery grant

“Our vision is for the long unused Engine Shed to once again become a vibrant hub of activity at the very heart of Northampton, which will bring our members and the local community together in a very exciting way.

University of Northampton Vice-Chancellor, Nick Petford, said the project offered students opportunities to work and learn from the development in the areas of conservation, construction, interior design and heritage in a real life setting.

Jonathan Platt, head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into the derelict shell of the Grade II listed Engine Shed, and allow the community to engage with the industrial heritage of their local area.

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“It is particularly encouraging to see opportunities for students at the heart of the project, and we’re pleased that National Lottery players can help support such a positive endeavour.”

For more information on the Waterside Campus including the Engine Shed, visit www.northamptonunion.com/EngineShed

Related topics:Northampton