{"id":39383,"date":"2024-03-19T16:08:38","date_gmt":"2024-03-19T16:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogsnew.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=39383"},"modified":"2024-03-18T18:52:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T18:52:17","slug":"ihbc-features-heritage-from-the-doorstep-roadmap-to-revive-swindons-iconic-mechanics-institute-put-before-councils-cabinet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=39383","title":{"rendered":"IHBC features \u2018Heritage from the doorstep\u2019: Roadmap to revive Swindon\u2019s iconic Mechanics Institute put before Council\u2019s Cabinet"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>A roadmap which sets out how one of Swindon\u2019s most famous buildings could be brought back into use was discussed by Swindon Borough Council\u2019s Cabinet in February, the Council reports.<\/h3>\n
image for illustration: Brian Robert Marshall \/ GWR Mechanics’ Institution<\/a>, Emlyn Square, Swindon (2)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/h6>\n

<\/p>\n

\u2026 once a hive of activity\u2026.it has sat empty and decaying since 1986\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

Swindon Borough Council writes:<\/p>\n

The Mechanics Institute, which has never been owned by the Council, was once a hive of activity during the height of the Railway Works.<\/p>\n

But, following the closure of the town\u2019s railway works, it has sat empty and decaying since 1986 and is currently classed as \u2018at risk\u2019 by the Theatres Trust.<\/p>\n

Due to the condition of the building, it will take tens of millions of pounds and a number of years to bring it back into use. However, a new plan, which has been shaped using expert advice from Historic England, will be presented to the Council\u2019s Cabinet and sets out some key steps to begin the process.<\/p>\n

This includes:<\/p>\n