More Than a Venue — An Experience
Where History Meets Great Moments.
BAR & CAFE
Fuel your day with quality coffee in a vibrant atmosphere!
Set within the beautiful restored Victorian building, the Bar & Cafe is the social heart of Waterside campus. Think exposed brickwork, warm lighting and relaxed seating – proudly serving Starbucks, fresh food and a fully licensed bar.
Our History
1870s
Home to the Students’ Union, the Engine Shed is a Grade-II listed former railway building that was restored by the University for the Waterside project.
1969 – 2000
The Engine Shed is converted into a Civil Engineers Welding School by British Rail Engineering Ltd until its closure in 1998. On the 17th July 2000, three men inspired by the film ‘Towering Inferno’ decide to commit arson and the building is destroyed. Later, Railtrack sells the gutted Engine Shed to Avon Cosmetics who decided to close the factory in 2003 and the site was left vacant.
Our History
2016 – 2018
The University of Northampton agrees to restore the Engine Shed to use as the Students’ Union and a £1.3 million Enterprise Grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is given to help complete the work and transform it into the inviting student space you see today.
