Swindon Hub will also aim to be a meeting and event space for community groups and small businesses to hire.
The Hub is planned to open at the start of October but organisers are opening the doors for a special viewing and Big Clean-up Party event on Saturday 18 September.
Members of the public are invited to come along between 10am - 3pm, to get inspiration and share ideas - and help with the cleaning if they can. Donations of cleaning products are being requested too.
Organiser Ed Colton said: “This will be a great chance for Swindon residents to get a sneak preview inside the new Hub.”
“We’re planning the Big Clean-up Party so people can meet each other and have some fun, whilst helping with the important work of getting the building ready."
Volunteer Natalie North added: “We want the local community to be at the heart of deciding what happens at the Hub. The Clean-up event will be a nice chance to get together and start planning.”
The new cultural hub is situated in the heart of the town centre, making use of the empty River Island shop in The Parade. An inclusive social enterprise powered by volunteers, the Hub is supported by more than twenty of Swindon’s community groups.
The team behind the Hub say their aim is for the building to be a welcoming, accessible, affordable and sustainable place for everyone in Swindon.
The project hopes to support the regeneration of Swindon’s town centre, targeting the problem of empty shops and the need for a community space where groups and individuals can interact, exchange ideas, and share resources in a sustainable, low cost venue.
The Hub team say they have a strong environmental ethos and that the Hub will be run in a sustainable and ethical way with involvement from local environmental organisations and upcycled furniture provided by Renew Men’s Shed.
As well as providing a social space where people can meet, eat, learn and create, the Hub provides spaces where small businesses and community and cultural organisations can be based, run events and share ideas and resources. The arts space will host a programme of exhibitions, workshops and events.
Volunteer Jol Rose said: “There is so much energy and potential in Swindon - the Hub will be a place where people can connect and make things happen.”
“We are really keen to involve anyone interested in building a positive community in Swindon.”
More information about Swindon Hub can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (@hubswindon) or at www.swindonhub.org.uk
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