Swindon Hub Seeks a Lift

Swindon’s town centre community hub has launched an appeal to raise funds for its lift.

The Hub, which has become a calm retreat and hive of activity and events for the whole community, has struggled to meet the rising costs of repairing the ageing lift.

Having spent over twelve thousand pounds on repairs over the first three years of operation, the Hub trustees decided last year that they could no longer afford to keep it going.

Whilst the cafe and many social activities take place on the Hub’s ground floor, bigger events, as well as quiet spaces, kitchen and toilets are all on the first floor - now inaccessible to many since the lift has been out of order.

“The Hub for me is a place I come to meet people and connect” says Debbie, a regular Hub user. “The broken lift means I can’t join all the events here, which is really sad”.

Since its opening in 2021, over 20,000 visitors and more than 50 community groups have used the space - holding meetings and events, running workshops and training sessions, or just popping in to relax, read and have a hot drink. 

Bigger events like music jams and theatre performances, as well as group meetings that need a bit more quiet, have all taken place upstairs.

“The Hub is truly by the community for the community” says Hub trustee Jol Rose. “We’re really hoping the community will get behind our crowdfunder and help us raise the money to get the lift fixed and running again.”

The crowdfunding appeal aims to raise £15,000, the estimated sum to fix the current problems and have enough in reserve to keep the lift running for the next five years.

The crowdfunder can be found online at this link https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/swindon-hub---get-our-lift-working-again or people can donate at the Hub cafe.

Swindon Hub is a welcoming safe space, and everyone is welcome to pop in, relax and join in - the Hub is at 36 The Parade. Anyone wanting more information can contact the Hub at [email protected]