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High Wycombe train station and its grounds have undergone a makeover following an adoption by local organisations and Buckinghamshire New University, which will be soft opening the nearby Brunel Engine Shed after Easter following a multi-million-pound renovation with Buckinghamshire Council.

In partnership with , environmental social enterprise and Buckinghamshire New University embarked on a year-long improvement project to improve the station by creating new artwork and delivering planting schemes, while preserving its heritage and improving biodiversity in the area.

As part of their studies, the University’s art and design students created 20 pieces of artwork, reflecting the town’s heritage and culture and which now adorn the station’s overbridge. Illustrations and designs include High Wycombe’s High Street, its infamous swan, chairmaking heritage, the Dashwood Mausoleum, and the station itself.

has improved the green spaces around High Wycombe station, overseeing more than 100 local volunteers to transform outside the station and around the Brunel Engine Shed. The group has also commissioned local artists to deliver innovative pieces, with themes including Wycombe’s chairmaking heritage and wildlife. A centrepiece is an oak signpost directing visitors and locals alike to a variety of local venues.

The partnership, which formed a new group of station adopters at High Wycombe, was funded by ’ Community Investment Fund (CIF) – a fund to improve local areas by communities.

Local pride

It is an exciting time for High Wycombe’s station area with the Grade II*- listed Brunel Engine Shed set for a soft opening later this month with the large flexible space set to showcase art and culture, support business and education, all while offering a social environment to enjoy light refreshments.

The soft opening will take place from week commencing Monday 28 April with some ad-hoc events to ensure the space is ready for a fuller launch for the University’s perennial art and design summer show in June. More details will be available on the University’s website this month, including how the flexible space can be booked for future external hire.

The station adoption project is exactly what civic impact should be; working with the community, for the community, and showcasing our students' talent. It is the perfect prelude to proudly opening the doors of the historic Brunel Engine Shed later this month. Community, collaboration, and cultivation are what the Brunel Engine Shed will represent, as we work with valued partners to deliver more civic impact with and for our students and local communities.

Professor Damien Page, Vice-Chancellor, Buckinghamshire New University

We are so proud to have adopted this important community garden with BNU as a gateway to our historic town. Thank you to our partner organisations and to more than 100 volunteers who have given over 250 hours of their time to transform their local station. Biodiversity is also a big winner with wildflower meadows and pollinator flowerbeds attracting local wildlife as we enter Spring.

John Shaw, Managing Director at Chiltern Rangers

We are delighted that the partnership has significantly improved the customer experience at High Wycombe station. These projects have delivered social value benefits to the local community by engaging local volunteers and showcasing the work of students studying at Buckinghamshire New University. We look forward to continuing this partnership to deliver Easier, Greener and Better journeys for the people of High Wycombe.

Chiltern Railways, HR and Corporate Affairs Director, Vanessa Russell

This year-long project would not have been possible without the skill and expertise of our creative colleagues and our brilliant students who contributed the station artwork and are named below. You can view the range of imagery on display at the station or in this file. 

Artists:

• Chisom Muomah
• Csaba Kolbai (2 artworks)
• Danny Coley (2 artworks)
• Emily Wardale (2 artworks)
• Eryn Peskett
• Georgia Deane
• Josh McKechnie (2 artworks)
• Kinga Borowiec
• Lyla Mcbrearty (3 artworks)
• Natalia Rankau
• Rosie Lambert (2 artworks)
• Sienne Franklin
• Sophie Page (2 artworks)