Charity calls for pause on bid to use Lydiard House for sixth form studies

The proposed deal could see sixth form students from Lydiard Park Academy studying in the historic stately home widely described as the jewel in Swindon's heritage crown.
However, the Friends of Lydiard Park, the independent charity supporting and promoting interest, engagement and research into the Grade I listed house, are calling on the council to pause.
The Friends cite a number of matters in support of their argument, including risks to the historic site, lack of heritage and impact assessments, and declining future pupil numbers.
On Wednesday 3 December the borough council's Cabinet will consider a proposal for a £700,000 investment to upgrade Lydiard House’s conference facilities, including the creation of an additional learning facility for students from the nearby secondary school.
Alongside the proposed work to develop the new facility, the council says it would carry out work to help maintain the condition of Lydiard House, and that the investment would contribute towards the long-term financial sustainability of the property, ensuring that it continues to be accessible to local residents.
Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, the council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, said: “This proposed partnership is a fantastic example of how we can turn challenges into opportunities. 
"By bringing Lydiard Park Academy’s sixth form into the historic Lydiard House, we’re not only ensuring continuity of education for local students but also breathing new life into one of Swindon’s most iconic heritage sites. 
"It reflects our commitment to preserving the past while investing in the future, creating a space that serves both learning and community, while bringing young people closer to Swindon’s history and heritage.”
The Friends of Lydiard Park said in a statement on their website: "The Friends of Lydiard Park are asking Swindon Borough Council to pause plans to lease Lydiard House for long-term school use, citing risks to the historic site, lack of heritage and impact assessments, and declining future pupil numbers. 
"We argue the decision is rushed and call for full consultation before irreversible changes occur. While open to a temporary, reversible school option, the group cannot support a long-term arrangement that may harm Lydiard’s community value.
"A public meeting of the Cabinet of Swindon Council is being held at The Civic Offices in Euclid Street on Wednesday December 3 at 6:00pm, when a proposed twenty-year lease of Lydiard House is to be discussed. 
"We hope more information will be made available to the public then and will continue to update our Friends and Archives community as we learn more."
The council says that as part of improvements to the property, work would be undertaken in the first-floor rooms to enable them to be used as teaching and learning spaces. The state rooms on the ground floor of Lydiard House are not part of the proposal, and would continue to be accessible to the public.
The Academy has been seeking a replacement for its sixth form building after structural issues forced its closure. Under the proposal, around 120 students and staff would use the first floor at the Grade I listed house.
Alongside ensuring continuity of education, the council says, the plans would help it to deliver its ambition of increasing the use of one of Swindon’s most treasured heritage sites.
Lydiard House, which dates to the medieval period and was redeveloped in 1743, together with the surrounding country park, and adjacent St Mary’s Church, form a nationally significant heritage site attracting over 600,000 visitors annually.
A  former Swindon Borough Council first purchased Lydiard House in 1943, and the current council says this was with the intention for it to be used for education, youth services, public parks and recreational grounds. If approved, the council says, the new plan is intended to strengthen the property's role as a community hub in line with the original vision.
Building on Lydiard Park Academy’s strong ties with St Mary’s Church and Lydiard Park Museum, the council says, the proposed partnership is also intended to unlock opportunities in heritage skills development, collaborative events, and digital innovation projects that enhance learning and tourism. Leasing arrangements would also generate income for the council to offset current subsidies.
All the work would be subject to the council obtaining full planning permission and Listed Building consents, in keeping with the building’s historic status. The intention is to submit a planning application for the proposed use before Christmas.
The investment, the council says, would align with its Country Park Strategy, currently in development following public consultation which aims to strengthen income, public access, and resilience for the wider Lydiard estate.
Gemma Piper, The Park Academies Trust CEO, said: “Our sixth form has a proud record of delivering outstanding outcomes for students, and this partnership takes that excellence to the next level. 
"Combining our existing high-quality sixth form hub at the Academy, with the inspiring learning environment of Lydiard House creates a truly life-changing opportunity for young people. 
"Not only will students benefit from an exceptional education in a unique environment, but they will also become part of Swindon’s rich history, helping to protect and celebrate it for future generations."
Rev Canon Capt Clive Deverell, Vicar of West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze, shared his support of the initiative, adding: “I am personally delighted at the opportunity for St Mary's to build on its established relationship with Lydiard Park Academy and the leadership of Lydiard Park. 
"I believe the mutual benefits and educational opportunities across the whole Park, will be beneficial for the long-term success of St Mary's and the Park."
 

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