Start-up businesses hope for Shrewsbury's rail station offices
Shrewsbury's railway station could see businesses and offices set up in empty rooms after a Shropshire MP called for a complete review of the building's use.
Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, said he would like to see the use of the whole building reviewed in a bid to "show off Shrewsbury" – with hopes it could be used for start-up businesses. He said: "After advice from constituents, I am going to ask for a full review of how the front of the building, looking on to the castle, is used.
"When I walked by it this morning, I saw some rooms full of empty cardboard boxes and some completely empty.
"I know the police use part of the building, but I don't know what is used in the upper floors, and I am going to ask for a full review of the use of the entire building.
"We want to see if there is space that can be used by start-up businesses and shops, and that it is used to its full potential."
It comes amid a host of improvements to the station which, once finished, will cost a total of £10million.
Improvements completed so far include £500,000 maintenance costs to the historic listed building, a £3.7million river viaduct restoration and £400,000 on a ticket barrier.
Mr Kawczynski said: "I am overwhelmed by the commitment shown by Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales to improve the station for its customers. With the direct rail link to London, we are seeing more and more people using Shrewsbury Railway Station and I consider that it is important for visitors to have a good first impression of the town, and a well maintained, attractive railway station is essential."
Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail, said: "We are seeing more and more people travel by rail and the station improvements at Shrewsbury Station help cater for this huge growth in passengers.
"Revitalising stations like Shrewsbury can help boost the local economy and create a station that the town can take a real pride in."
Lynne Milligan, customer services director from Arriva Trains, said: "Shrewsbury Station is a key rail hub and the improvements made, plus those planned, will continue to enhance the experience for our customers."
