A RENOVATION worthy of Brunel himself has been unveiled as a South East Cornwall town’s restored railway station building has opened its doors.

Representatives of many organisations gathered at Saltash station to view the extensive renovation works that have seen the former station building – now named Isambard House after Brunel’s primary Christian name – transformed into an award-winning heritage building that should support the community for years to come.

With the once derelict and sorry-looking building having been left to the mercy of the elements for many years, the town council listened to the residents of Saltash who demanded action. In 2017 the town council took the decision to buy the near rundown building with a view to restoring it to its former glory.

Dubbed one of the Gateways to Cornwall, Saltash Station – which lies immediately adjacent to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s magnificent Grade 1 listed Royal Albert Bridge – was crying out for a building that fitted its surroundings, rather than the green and rotten ruin that existed for a number of years.

With water pouring into the building and large plants growing from the gutters and chimneys, the station was a sorry sight that travellers to Cornwall witnessed every day.

The renovation works have been underpinned by a strong partnership led by Saltash Town Council, that included Cornwall Council, Great Western Railway, Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust. All these organisations have brought welcome enthusiasm and experience to the project, along with much of the funding.

The project was also supported in the early stages by the Architectural Heritage Fund, with the finishing touches to the platform and fences that set the building off so well, being funded by a grant from the Community Rail Development Fund, a joint initiative of the Department for Transport and the Community Rail Network, with the help of the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership.

The renovated building will fulfil a number of functions, from providing a new passenger waiting room with toilets, train information and refreshment facility, to a new community hall and meeting space in the now light and airy main section of the building, and a small office or business hub situated in the north eastern section.

Lead councillor for the project, Councillor Richard Bickford, said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, there are so many people, from my fellow councillors to some heads of industry I wish to thank. I think we have achieved what many people thought was not possible, and I hope that Saltash has a legacy building that will serve both the community and travelling public very well for many years.”

Joe Graham, Business Assurance Director for Great Western Railway, commented: “Well done to Saltash Town Council for pulling off this renovation, I have often thought it could never be achieved. This building will provide passengers with a great facility and something to be proud of. GWR are pleased to have played their part in the renovation of this building.”

Christian Irwin, Industry Programme Director (South West) for Network Rail, added: “This is a fantastic example of how the rail industry can work together with local authorities to deliver investment and improvements. This is a real showcase for others to aspire to.”

Councillor Pete Samuels, Mayor of Saltash added:”‘Saltash Town Council can feel justifiably proud of what it has achieved with this derelict and historic building, something that the residents of Saltash have long asked for.”