University of Northampton Students’ Union Secures Heritage Lottery Fund Investment

University of Northampton Students’ Union Secures Heritage Lottery Fund Investment

The University of Northampton Students’ Union has received a confirmed grant of £1,323,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the restoration of its Engine Shed building on the University of Northampton’s new Waterside Campus.

Thanks to National Lottery players, this exciting project will see the Grade II Engine Shed and adjacent office buildings brought back into use as a vibrant hub of student activity, whilst supporting a number of innovative community engagement projects with local partners and businesses.

The Engine Shed was constructed in 1873 at the junction of the main London and North Western Railway line and the former Northampton branch line. The project aims to carry out essential conservation work, which will see the largely derelict shell of the Engine Shed restored to its former grandeur.

The building’s structural roof trusses, windows and decorative brickwork will also be retained alongside original train tracks, which will be carefully recovered and replaced following development works.

Liam Bligh, President of the Students’ Union said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. Our vision is for the long unused Engine Shed to once again become a vibrant hub of activity at the very heart of Northampton, which will bring our members and the local community together in a very exciting way.”

University of Northampton Vice-Chancellor, Nick Petford commented: “The Heritage Lottery Fund’s investment will secure a new home for the Students’ Union that puts the students at the very centre of the new Waterside Campus. The project further offers a number of opportunities for our current students to work and learn from the development in the areas of conservation, construction, interior design and heritage in a real life setting, adding fantastic value to their learning and ensuring that students are involved in the literal foundations of the new build.”

Jonathan Platt, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into the derelict shell of the Grade II listed Engine Shed, and allow the community to engage with the industrial heritage of their local area. It is particularly encouraging to see opportunities for students at the heart of the project, and we’re pleased that National Lottery players can help support such a positive endeavour”.