Developers have launched a public consultation on initial plans for “restoration and redevelopment” of the historic Edgware pub reports David Floyd

The Railway Hotel in Edgware (credit Mark Amies)

Local residents and politicians have given a cautiously positive response to the announcement of a public consultation on plans to develop a historic Edgware pub.

The Railway Hotel on Station Road was built in 1931 and has Grade 2-listed status, however it closed as a pub in 2006 and has since suffered vandalism and fire damage.

Now Edgware Limited, which describes itself as “a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created and managed by local developers and investors” has opened a consultation on plans for the Railway Hotel and the “Forumside” to the rear of the derelict pub.

Its proposals include plans for “around 750 new homes, sustainably located close to Edgware tube station” and “approximately 2000 sqm of new high quality commercial ground floor units + 650sqm of the renovated Railway Hotel”.

In a statement announcing the consultation, which begins today and runs until 26th September, a spokesperson for Edgware Limited said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring The Railway Hotel back into public use and deliver meaningful regeneration for Edgware.

“We are committed to working with the community to shape a scheme that respects the site’s heritage while delivering new homes, green spaces, and positively contribute to a vibrant town centre.”

Local resident and writer Mark Amies, who has campaigned for the pub to be restored, welcomed the news in a post on his blog last week. He said: “This saga has gone on for years, whilst the building has sat in a semi-derelict, fire damaged and vandalised state. There have been times when I felt like giving up all hope of anything being done to save it.

He added: “It is only fair that the proposals are given a fair hearing. I want to see the building put back into use, I want to see it restored, so if this is the only option, then as long as it is not going to be shockingly bad or put the building at risk, I think I have to accept it.”

Also responding to the consultation announcement, the Conservative councillors for Edgware Shuey Gordon, Nick Mearing-Smith and Lucy Wakeley told Barnet Post: “We are pleased to see that after many years of neglect, the Railway Hotel site is finally being looked at seriously for redevelopment. Local people have been clear about how strongly they feel about the building being left in its previous state, and since being elected as your local councillors we have been working with the council to find a way forward for this important site.”

They added: “At this early stage no firm proposals have been put forward, but we are mindful that residents will be extremely concerned that issues such as height and density will need to be carefully considered, particularly in the context of the unfortunate decision on the Broadwalk development that the council has taken.

“We will continue to stand up for residents and ensure their views are at the heart of the planning process as plans are brought forward.”

Information on the proposals is available at: https://www.edgwarerailwayhotel.co.uk

Two in-person exhibitions will be held at Shishukunj Bhavan, 25-27 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7EE on 11th September 3pm-8pm and 17th September 3pm-8pm.

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