Cotswold District Council is investing in repairs to The Old Station in Cirencester while it continues to explore options for the renovation and future use of The Old Station and Memorial Hospital Cottages.

An investment of £158,000 has been approved by the council's cabinet to repair The Old Station, a Grade II listed former railway station that has remained vacant for several years.

The decision comes in response to a survey where engineers identified structural instability in the west wall adjacent to the old platform.

The wall was identified as structurally unstable, due partially to extensive rot in structural timbers. The necessary remedial work involves rebuilding the brick and timber wall, along with associated works to the parapet and guttering above it and the abutting walls.

To address the immediate concern, structural scaffolding has been erected to support the wall ahead of the repair works.

The council had initially collaborated with New Brewery Arts on a renovation proposal. However, with New Brewery Arts deciding not to proceed with the project, the council is now exploring alternative strategies to ensure these sites contribute to the town centre's cultural and historical significance.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, cabinet member for communities and public safety, said: "This investment underscores our commitment to preserving The Old Station while we look at all options to protect these buildings for future generations and bring them back into use.

"Unique buildings like this are often a challenge as they come with high price tags for maintenance. Also, The Old Station was designed for a specific purpose which brings difficulty in adapting it for use in other ways.

"We would like to thank New Brewery Arts for their work with us to look at new ways to bring the building back into use. Unfortunately, the numbers didn't stack up on that project, so we are continuing to explore other options over the coming months."

The council will provide regular updates on the progress of the community renovation projects as plans progress.