Fresh hope for some of Swindon's derelict buildings after government funding announcement
A UK-wide regeneration fund's been announced, aiming to transform derelict high street buildings
Fresh hope has been sparked for some of Swindon’s derelict buildings following a funding announcement from the government.
A £210 million UK-wide regeneration fund could help bring long-empty sites like the Mechanics’ Institute and Oasis Leisure Centre back into use.
The funding package, announced by the UK Government on Friday, September 25, aims to revitalise derelict high street buildings across the country by transforming them into shared workspaces, cafes and community hubs.
Of the total, £125 million will go towards the new Derelict Buildings Fund, supporting local authorities to convert disused properties into facilities that meet community needs.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of the Labour & Co-op Group on Swindon Borough Council, said: “This announcement by the Labour Government is hugely welcome news for towns like Swindon, and I urge the Council to investigate what this new funding could mean for some of our most important neglected buildings – from the Mechanics’ Institute and the Locarno to the Oasis.
“We should be ready to seize every opportunity to bring these assets back into use for our communities.”
An additional £65 million will be invested in helping communities rescue and revamp beloved buildings and businesses at risk of closure, like pubs and sports clubs.
A further £20 million will be split equally between High Street Rental Auctions, letting out properties vacant for 12 months or more, and a new Co-operative Development Programme, so local people share in their high street’s success.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The Government has only just announced this funding and we need to review the detailed criteria and application process before assessing whether it could support any of Swindon’s long-term empty buildings.
“We welcome any investment that could help bring neglected buildings back into productive use and support the regeneration of our town centre.”
Bob Wright, Chair of Trustees at Swindon Heritage Preservation, the organisation looking to restore the Mechanics’ Institute said: “Swindon Heritage Preservation are always interested in financial support for our preservation work in Swindon.
“The Mechanics Institute and the Cricketers are our two priorities.
“We are making good progress with Cricketers and we are in talks with the Council about the Mechanics Institute.
“We have a Viability Assessment to guide us on the Mechanics.
“We will be applying for grants to help us in our community and preservation work.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“People don’t measure growth by looking at a spreadsheet. They measure it by looking at their local high street.
“Are shops opening or are the shutters down? Does the place feel like it’s moving forward or being left behind?
“The truth is that too many high streets have been left to hollow out, leaving town centres a shell of what they once were.
“That must change, and today’s funding will help put power back into the hands of locals who know their area best.
“That’s how we restore pride and bring hope back. Not by telling people things are getting better, but by giving them the power to see and feel the difference where they live.”
Cllr Robbins added: “This announcement also shows that it is vital that Swindon becomes part of the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority as soon as possible, so our town can fully benefit from the investment and opportunities the government is bringing forward.
“We know the government is keen to give us the green light and we can’t let the Lib Dems in the region keep holding us back.
“We’ll miss out on the Co-operative Development Programme funding if leaders can’t come to an agreement and get the Thames Valley region over the line.”