There were briefly plans to demolish the building but thankfully it was eventually rejuvenated when a £40 million ($50m) renovation transformed it into a luxury hotel once again. It re-opened in 2013 with its curved form incorporated into the station’s striking new domed roof. From its spectacular windows to its ornate stair railings, sensitively restored original features and nods to its railway heritage can be seen throughout the now Grade II-listed building.

These are Europe's most historic hotels

Then and now: abandoned places totally transformed