Take a look inside Rushden Goods Shed after £650,000 transformation

This former highways depot has been given a new lease of life following a £650,000 makeover.

Rushden Historical Transport Society (RHTS) bought the goods shed opposite Rushden train station from Northants County Council in 2018.

Since then, the building has had a new roof and the old concrete floor has been replaced so it can be used for RHTS events but also hired out for functions including weddings, parties, classes and meetings.

They have extended the bar and once the new cellar is completed, the goods shed will be able to serve real ales which are already available at the train station.

The walls are adorned with memorabilia from over the years and visitors will love seeing the old vehicles on show, including the 1960s bus which is being restored by society members and a car from the 1930s.

With the goods shed playing a vital role in Rushden's development at the end of the 19th Century by allowing the town to expand through the boot and shoe industry, RHTS felt it was important that the site and the building should be saved as part of Rushden's heritage.

Members are incredibly proud of the work they've already done on the goods shed, and RHTS chairman John Sugars said: "It's given us a whole new perspective."

Much of the transformation cost so far has been covered by the group, but they have also secured some grants and had great support from both East Northants Council and Rushden Town Council, which they say this wouldn't have been possible without.

While Covid-19 means there are restrictions on some events being held there, the goods shed is already being used by groups for band practice, dancing, keep fit classes and a forthcoming wreath making workshop which has already sold out.

The venue's first wedding is also set to take place in a few weeks' time, albeit with small numbers due to the current restrictions.

Catharine Young said: "It is more of a community building than a society building.

"All the people we are having in now are community groups."

And once the coronavirus restrictions start to ease, RHTS is looking forward to getting back to its regular calendar of events, including its 1940s weekends.

For more information about RHTS, click here.

If you would like to hire the goods shed, which is one of Rushden's largest venues with a capacity for 240 people, call Amber Webb on 0300 3023150.

Scroll down for more pictures from inside the goods shed