Work is underway to create teaching and learning spaces for around 120 sixth-form students and staff at historic Lydiard House.
The project follows planning approval earlier this year to see £700,000 invested in the Swindon Borough Council-owned Grade I listed Palladian house.
To mark the latest milestone, Cllr Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, and Cllr Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, visited Lydiard House alongside Year 11 students and staff from Lydiard Park Academy to see the progress being made and hear more about the refurbishment works.
The visit gave students the opportunity to see at first hand how the historic building is being transformed into their future learning environment, ahead of their planned move next year.
Cllr Courtliff said: "Having previously raised concerns about the impact on Lydiard House, I'm pleased the work that is underway is being managed sensitively to safeguard such an important heritage asset.
“Visiting the site and listening to staff and students from Lydiard Park Academy, their excitement about learning here next year really brought home the impact this project will have and provided reassurance that this unique historic environment will be appreciated and cared for.
“This investment demonstrates how we can adapt and provide a sustainable future for our historic buildings while preserving their character and ensuring they continue to benefit the community.”
Refurbishment works are focused on first-floor rooms within the historic building, while the programme of events and exhibitions in the museum’s state room ensures Lydiard House continues to be enjoyed as one of Swindon’s most cherished heritage attractions.
The investment builds on the long-standing relationship between Lydiard Park Academy, St Mary’s Church, Lydiard House Museum and the wider Lydiard estate.
The council says it will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the house by increasing its use, opening a range of learning and wider heritage opportunities and generating additional income to support the historic building’s future.
Cllr Kate Tomlinson said: “This project represents a significant investment in the future of young people in Swindon.
“Students will have the opportunity to learn in a truly unique environment that combines outstanding educational facilities with the rich history of one of our borough’s most iconic buildings.
“It was wonderful to visit the house with students and see first-hand how work is progressing. Their enthusiasm for the project shows just how special this opportunity is, and I know the new facilities will provide an inspiring environment in which they can learn, grow and achieve their potential.”
Lydiard Park Academy Principal Joshua Coulson said: “We are delighted that students from The Park Academies Trust Sixth Form will have the opportunity to learn in such a unique setting.
“Complementing our existing Sixth Form provision at Lydiard Park Academy, the facilities at Lydiard House will provide an inspiring environment where young people can develop academically and socially.
"It is wonderful to see this historic building being used to support the education of future generations, creating opportunities for students while strengthening its role at the heart of the local community.
"We look forward to seeing it become a place of learning, aspiration and achievement for years to come.”
The council purchased Lydiard House in 1943 with a vision for it to serve education, youth services, recreation and community use.
The new sixth form centre, the council says, will continue that legacy, creating new opportunities for young people while helping to secure the long-term future of one of the region’s most significant heritage assets.
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