Overview

As Swindon's only building preservation Trust, we combine community usage with building restoration; conservation and history. We seek to maximise our social impact through the use of our buildings. You can hire our facilities, visit our Railway Village Museum and get involved in our events and projects that take place all year round. Our buildings, in and around Emlyn Square, are at the heart of Swindon's Historic Railway Village and form part of the streetscape setting of the currently derelict Swindon Mechanics' Institute. Central to our work is our need to play an active role with our partners: Swindon Borough Council, Historic England and the Theatres Trust, in the recovery and regeneration of this derelict Grade II* Mechanics Institution owned by a private developer. Our work compliments and is part of Swindon’s Heritage Action Zone, funded by Historic England, established to combine programmes of the conservation of Swindon’s important railway heritage with the economic regeneration of the area; one of Swindon’s greatest heritage assets. We have worked with our partners to commission a new Viability Study for the Mechanics Institution Building. This positive plan, which is guiding our way forward, demonstrates a need for additional skills in social and community interests, commercial and business development and management, financial management and fund-raising, heritage and estate management, communication, and arts and cultural activities. All will combine to create a future viable, community asset based on the social principles of the original Mechanics Institution in a restored building.