Historic England provides cash to save Swindon building
A campaign to restore the Grade II listed Mechanics Institute in Swindon has been given a £500,000 boost.
Historic England said the money would help develop an "inspiring and sustainable new use" for the neglected building.
The Institute opened in 1854 as an educational centre for
railway workers, but closed in 1986 and has lain derelict ever since. The
town's Railway Village, where the building is located, was recently
announced as a Heritage Action Zone by Historic England, which is
investing £1.6m to regenerate the area. An initial £40,000 has already been
allocated to the Institute for preparatory work.
A spokesman said: "A further £500,000 will be
ring-fenced towards the costs of refurbishments once a plan for the building
has been agreed. "We are working with our partners to find an inspiring
and sustainable new use for the Mechanics Institute."
