The work, carried out by craftsmen from local building conservation specialists Phillips and Curry Ltd, is a contender for a National Railway Heritage Award.
The restoration, completed by Phillips and Curry Ltd, was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Shropshire Council.
From July 2024 to May 2025, craftsmen worked to restore the building’s exterior, remove asbestos tiles, and replace them with Welsh slate.
Windows and doors also received a new coat of the Cambrian Railway’s colours.
The building was further enhanced with nesting boxes for swifts under the eaves and bat roosting tiles along the roof.
Judges praised the restoration efforts.
One judge said: “The restoration of the Cambrian Station Oswestry is easily the best scheme that I have been privileged to assess during my four year ‘judging career’.”
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“It is an outstanding major project and should win in its category, with a commendation for other its performance in other award categories!”
“The result achieved on a very limited budget of £1million is truly amazing and should be publicised widely.”
Another judge added: “Oswestry was a railway town and can be proud to have had this landmark building restored and in use.”
“The project was delivered in a short period of time and was delivered to a modest budget.”
“Significant efforts were made to work with local firms and artisans and the building remains a striking visual benefit to Oswestry.”
Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “We’re delighted that our work to restore this important building has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
“This is a real credit to the council’s property services team, who managed this project, and to the conservation experts from Phillips and Curry.
“This building holds significant cultural value for our community, and these essential repairs will ensure it remains safe and usable for future generations.”
The Grade II-listed building, originally opened in 1866, ceased operating as a railway station in 1966.
Following years of neglect, Shropshire Council took possession of the building in early 2023.
The ground floor is currently let to Cambrian Heritage Railways, a local railway charity.
Shropshire Council secured financial support from UKSPF (Community and Place) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) with a combined total of £765,250.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on December 3, 2025.
