Loss of third station
In 1988 the local residents celebrated the 150 years of the railway town of Wolverton. The station was painted up and decorated with hanging baskets. Shortly after this, scaffolding went up on the Station and people were led to believe it was to be refurbished. It was a bitter shock to local residents to find it totally demolished overnight, especially as many people had believed it was listed. The loss of this distinctive local landmark is still bitterly regretted.
In the late 1990s The Wolverton Partnership Regeneration Project was set up as Wolverton was suffering badly at the time after the downsizing of the Railway Works. An Arts & Heritage sub-group of interested residents was set up which was later to become the Wolverton Society for Arts & Heritage. After loss of the unlisted station, concern was felt about the vulnerability of historic railway structures in the town. One of the first aims of the group was to get significant structures listed. This was successful and many Wolverton landmarks have been listed or upgraded as a result. These include the magnificent viaduct, several of Stephenson’s bridges, the Royal Train Shed/Former Old Lifting Shop & Tin Shop, The Triangle Building and Reading Room. This has made the Wolverton Park project possible and ensured the future of these magnificent buildings.
In 2001, Wolverton Society for Arts & Heritage were told that a Stony Stratford businessman had bought a number of cast-iron columns when the Station was being demolished. He had used a number as lighting columns behind Stony Stratford Arcade. There were three not being used and the Society purchased them for future use around the town.
The first was used to support “Regeneration Bird” created by local artist/blacksmith Tim Ward The image of the phoenix was seen as an appropriate way to mark the completion of the Wolverton Regeneration Project.
The second and third columns were used to support the Neil Higson designed entrance sign to the Secret Garden.
In 2001, Wolverton Society for Arts & Heritage were told that a Stony Stratford businessman had bought a number of cast-iron columns when the Station was being demolished. He had used a number as lighting columns behind Stony Stratford Arcade. There were three not being used and the Society purchased them for future use around the town.
The first was used to support “Regeneration Bird” created by local artist/blacksmith Tim Ward The image of the phoenix was seen as an appropriate way to mark the completion of the Wolverton Regeneration Project.
The second and third columns were used to support the Neil Higson designed entrance sign to the Secret Garden.