Derelict museum to become 'flagship destination'

A derelict museum and art gallery is getting a new lease of life as a community "flagship destination" after sitting empty for six years.

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery was located in the Grade-II listed Apsley House in the Old Town until it closed at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Work has officially begun to revive the 1830s building into a bakery, co-working space, and restaurant or bar, following designs by developer Arthur Dallimer.

Councillor Kevin Small, cabinet member for property and assets on Swindon Borough Council, said the scheme "combines heritage restoration with commercial activity" in a way that can support both the daytime and evening economy.

Upgrades will also be carried out to several retail units in Victoria Road, which form part of the wider Apsley House site.

Dallimer, 30, is a Swindon-born entrepreneur who specialises in breathing new life into underused and heritage buildings.

The plans include an artisan bakery, a co-working space for local businesses and sole traders, and a restaurant or bar within the former gallery space.

"We're creating something genuinely special," Dallimer said. "This building will become the flagship destination in Old Town."

Swindon Borough Council said it had worked alongside Dallimer to ensure the development protects and enhances the building's heritage while allowing for modern and commercially sustainable uses.

Small said: "Bringing a landmark building like Apsley House back into active use is significant for Old Town and is a good example of the council selling an unused heritage asset to enable the private sector to bring it back into use for the benefit of the local community.

"This scheme from Arthur combines heritage restoration with commercial activity in a way that can support both the daytime and evening economy.

"That kind of balanced investment is important for creating sustainable, thriving centres. I look forward to seeing positive progress over the coming months."

Council leader Jim Robbins described Apsley House as one of Old Town's "most recognisable and much-loved buildings".

"When we agreed the sale, the intention was always to see the building restored and contributing to the local economy again," he said.

"It is exciting to see the plans moving forwards. A development of this scale will really strengthen Old Town's offer, attract new visitors and support local jobs."

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