The Railway Hotel
Built in 1931 and given Grade II Listed status in 2003, the Railway Hotel has been on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register since 2013, with its condition rated as ‘poor’, following years of neglect and fire damage. We understand that residents and Barnet Council have consistently called for its restoration and protection. Therefore, Edgware Limited is working with heritage and planning experts to identify and secure a sustainable future for the building.
The proposal is to restore the listed building and open it up for public use – supported by the residential-led, mixed-use development of the adjacent Forumside site.
The Forumside land has similarly remained neglected for many years, inaccessible to the public. Regenerating this key brownfield site will help meet growing housing need, improve connectivity between the Broadwalk Shopping Centre and surrounding neighbourhoods, and create new spaces for community use.
This project represents an important chance to protect the heritage of the Railway Hotel while delivering real benefits for Edgware’s future.
History of the Site
The Railway Hotel was built in 1931 as a Roadhouse with an attached pub, which was designed by Arthur Edward Sewell for Truman Brewery. The significance of the Railway Hotel lies in its historic and architectural interest. Its historic interest is derived from its original Roadhouse use; an interwar phenomenon, largely supported by the increase in income and leisure time that people had after the war.
1902
Charles Wright Ltd. establishes factory on site.
By the 1920’s
Charles Wright Ltd known as Wright & Sons series of factory buildings had been built on the site.
1931-2
Railway Hotel built.
1972
Wright & Sons factory ceases operation on the site.
1992
Some factory buildings remain on site. These are gradually removed over the years.
2003
The Railway Hotel Grade II listed by Historic England.
2006
The Railway Hotel closes.
2013
The Railway Hotel was added to the "Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register"
2016
Fire breaks out in the Railway Hotel.
2021
Second fire breaks out in the Railway Hotel.
2025
Edgware Limited invite the local community to view proposals for the Railway Hotel and regeneration of the Forumside.
Our vision for the Railway Hotel
Focused around providing public benefits for the local community, our vision for refurbishing and reopening the Railway Hotel has local people at the forefront.
Following significant engagement with the local community and stakeholders, as well as having worked closely with commercial specialists to ensure the viability of any future operation at the Railway Hotel, we are proposing that the ground floor accomodates a food and beverage offer – for example, a gastropub, café, or restaurant; while the first floor be used as a performance venue that would run an independent programme and also events space that could be rented out by local groups and organisations needing a physical presence.
The small area on the second floor is proposed for a small office for administrative staff and/or co-working space.