AMBITIOUS plans for an extensive revamp of Tetbury’s historic goods shed have been unveiled.

Numerous schemes to bring the building – part of the town’s former train station which was closed in 1964 under Dr Richard Beeching’s railway review – back into community use have been developed over the years, and this most recent project is one of the most ambitious yet.

Tetbury Town Council has been working to restore the historic building for some time and the new plans, expected to cost up to £500,000, have been developed by Rail Lands Regeneration Trust (RLRT).

The plans include using the building for performances and clubs as well as setting up an old train carriage outside for use by the town’s model railway club along with an area for market stalls and a playground. They were presented at last week’s meeting of the town council.

Cllr Stephen Hirst called it "the most pragmatic plan" for converting the building that had ever been presented to the town council.

Cllr Fred Lockey said the Goods Shed was "a jewel in the town that has been sadly neglected" and he was pleased the scheme seemed to be steaming ahead.

Plans are also taking shape for a £1million revamp of Tetbury's Dolphin Hall to improve it as a community facility and Cllr Kevin Painter said the Goods Shed scheme could be a good back-up if this did not go ahead.

Cllr Tony Walsh said he was opposed to the plans to remove the former platform, but was in favour of the scheme overall.

"It’s a good scheme," he said. "It will also increase tourism to the town. "I think we should all firmly thank Will and the RLRT for getting this off the ground."

The council voted unanimously to support the plans.