A GRADE II-listed building in High Wycombe that was designed and built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel has been bought by Wycombe District Council.

Known locally as the “Brunel Shed”, the building is one of the first things you see when you arrive at High Wycombe railway station - but has been unused and neglected for years.

In November last year, the Bucks Free Press revealed the district council decided to press on with a compulsory purchase order to take over the shed, which was owned by Chiltern Railways.

The council’s vision for the Brunel Railway Shed, which will showcase and celebrate the Grade II-listed building with a “sensitive refurbishment”, will bring it back into use and create an “attractive and welcoming entrance” to High Wycombe for those arriving by rail.

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Buying the Brunel Shed is the first milestone in Wycombe District Council’s wider programme to completely revamp the area around High Wycombe railway station and along Easton Street - which is referred to in the council’s newly approved regeneration strategy as the “Eastern Quarter”.

More detailed plans for the Brunel Railway Shed will be released in the new year.

Last year, Cllr Steve Broadbent, who is in charge of economic regeneration at the council, said the building could become the “focal point” of a new station square.

He insisted the building will not be demolished, adding that it will be brought back into use for the community and could become a base for start-up businesses and community groups.

The iconic building was built by famous Victorian railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the nineteenth century.

It was given a small makeover to make it look more attractive by artist Dan Wilson.