Cotswold District Council is seeking new partners to invest in the renovation of the Old Station building in Cirencester.

The Old Station in Cirencester is a Grade 2 Listed former station on the edge of the town centre. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the station opened in 1841 and transferred into the council's ownership in 1968.

The building has been disused for a number of years and is in a very significant state of disrepair.

The council has recently agreed to invest £158,000 in carrying out urgent structural repairs to rebuild an external wall. This unstable wall is currently supported by structural scaffolding. These building works should commence in April.

The council had been working with New Brewery Arts to bring forward a proposal to renovate and convert both the Old Station building and the Old Memorial Cottages on Sheep Street for community, cultural and business use. However, New Brewery Arts no longer wish to progress with these proposals.

The council is therefore seeking a new partner that has funding they can bring to invest in the renovation of this historic building. The council is interested in hearing from any business or organisation who feel they have the funding and business plans that could revitalise this building.

The Old Memorial Cottages on the edge of the Sheep Street car park may also be included in any proposals. Priority will be given to community and local business uses which complement the existing offer in the town.

Interested parties should contact the council by email: assets.enquiries@cotswold.gov.uk  setting out at a high level their interest, the funding they could secure and initial proposals for the building.

Those expressing serious interest in the building will be invited to meet with lead officers to discuss proposals in more detail.