RAILWAY enthusiasts are hoping a building on the site of the Newport train station will be protected through redevelopment.

As Network Rail is currently developing plans to redevelop the station, the Monmouthshire Railway Society hope that the carriage and wagon building will be saved.

But Cadw say it will not likely be listed, while Network Rail has formed no firm plans for the site.

Ian Brewer, chairman of the society, said the building was built alongside an engine shed which was demolished in 1921, and later rebuilt down the line.

The warehouse has been used for over 150 years by the many companies who have run trains in South Wales.

Mr Brewer said: "The building has historic significance.

"It represents the development and expansion of the railway in South Wales throughout the last century."

However heritage agency Cadw has said it is not looking at listing it.

It says that the building has been rebuilt so often it has changed profoundly.

"Many features from 1851 are no longer there.

It's like replacing the head and handle of a broom over time, in the end you don't have the same broom."

The future of the warehouse is in the hands of Network Rail, who are forming plans to improve Newport Railway Station.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said there is currently no concrete plan for the future of the station, or the old warehouse.

But she said the society was welcome to enter into discussions with the company.

"As a stakeholder, the society is welcome to come to speak to us about their concerns to see if they can be addressed," she added.