Brunel Engine Shed

Built by legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1854, the grade II listed shed had been abandoned for some time until the council bought it in 2019.

Situated in the heart of High Wycombe, the Brunel Engine Shed is a Grade II listed building adjacent to the High Wycombe railway station. The building had been neglected and was left in a deralict state. Quinn London were appointed by Wycombe District Council to undertake the upgrade and extension of the existing Grade II listed building so that it could be ultilised for both lettable and community space.

The project at Brunel Engine Shed  involved the following:

•  Improved pedestrian access and creation of new building entrance facing train station
• Sensitive upgrade and refurbishment of existing building envelope, with new glazing and floor
• Upgrade existing building roof with slate and roof windows for natural ventilation and
  daylight.
• Add new-build extension using contemporary materials, linking to the roof form of the existing shed.
• Create large, flexible space for mixed commercial uses and improve accessibility of the building.

The shed has been sensitively restored with extensive works carried out to the roof which was previously in a very poor condition. Carbon fibre strengthening rods were installed to the joints between both newly installed and existing
timbers to maintain the wide span all timber roof structure.

A CLT formed extension mirrors the form of the existing building adding 6,000sq ft to bring the whole scheme to 13,560 sq ft. Standing seam zinc cladding was installed to the CLT and Brunel Engine Shed Wycombe District Council Glulam structure of the new building to create an extension that expresses modern structural engineering in the same spirit that the Victorian building reflects its own era.

Major improvements have been made to access, including step free access to the main entrance, accessible toilets and a new lift to provide access to the mezzanine level of the new extension.

The sensitive restoration of the Brunel Engine Shed has provided a modern mix of both business and community space. The building now provides a welcome to visitors form High Wycombe station reinvigorating
the local area.

During the restoration works Buckinghamshire Council, Wycombe Museum, HWBID Co and Wycombe Arts Centre came together to deliver an artwork project on the hoarding at the site. The aim was to brighten up the area for visitors whilst works was progressing.

Local creatives were invited to work on the mural which featured a portrait of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, also known as the Red Lion. This really helped to provide a community focus for the project and engage the local community.