A three-step plan to save Swindon's historic Mechanics' Institute has been reaffirmed by the borough council.
The move follows the publication of the latest Theatres at Risk register by the Theatres Trust preservation and promotion charity.
The Mechanics' Institute, which was last open to the public in 1986, is among more than 40 theatres throughout the country named on the register.
Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “We know how much the Mechanics’ Institute means to Swindon, and we want to see the building refurbished and in use as much as anyone else.
“We recognise there are no quick fixes and the costs of bringing it back to life are huge. The Mechanics is also privately-owned which adds complexity to our plans.
“With these challenges in mind, we’re working closely with partners to enable the bright future this fascinating building and its rich history deserve.”
The three steps toward unlocking restoration of the building, which is privately owned, are:
- Updating the viability study in light of current market demands to identify a viable and sustainable reuse of the building
- Identifying a funding strategy for the restoration, considering a phased reopening of the building and considering both public and private investment
- Addressing the ownership of the building
Further updates are expected later this year.
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