GWR HISTORY SECURED IN SWINDON’S ‘ACTION ZONE’

Great Western Railway buildings in Swindon, including the derelict Mechanics’ Institution, look to have a secure future with the launch of a ‘Heritage Action Zone’ for the town.

Historic England: South West and Swindon Borough Council have announced a joint five-year programme to invest £7.6 million into the ‘Railway Village’ area surrounding the GWR works.

The plans include “securing a sustainable future” for the Mechanics’ Institution, built between 1853 and 1855 as an early example of a workers’ welfare centre, with libraries, lecture rooms, public baths and later a theatre. Although Grade II*-listed, it has fallen into disrepair in recent years.

The Grade II-listed carriage works is already under restoration, and will find new use as part of the Royal Agricultural University, opening in 2020.

Also in line for refurbishment are the Grade II-listed Cricketers pub (built for the GWR circa 1850-1860) and the ‘Health Hydro’, a swimming bath built for the GWR Medical Fund in 1891.

Other partners in the scheme include the Mechanics Institution Trust, Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Swindon Designer Outlet, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Trust and English Heritage.

Simon Hickman, Principal Historic Buildings Inspector for Historic England: South West, commented: “The ‘Railway Village’ is pretty much together in terms of fabric, but it’s woefully under-appreciated, and we want to sell it as a package – a bit like towns such as Saltaire or Port Sunlight.”