A grant of £10,000 has been awarded to Swindon Heritage Preservation for the Grade II* listed Mechanics’ Institution. It will cover an updating of the now outdated Viability Study. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and inflation, it requires a review of the case for renovation.
Built by the people, for the people
The Mechanics’ Institute was built by the people for the people. Providing the New Town of Swindon with a leisure venue that attracted the biggest names in Music and Theatre.
Thus the working man had a palace of entertainment. Providing a place for community based dramatic arts, a venue for social events and a place to meet the Stars.
It is the last remaining piece of a Victorian Railway Village that requires restoration.
The Mechanics’ future
The people of Swindon have encouraged Swindon Heritage Preservation to find a viable future for the building. A future which respects its past role, and where it continues to be an attraction at the heart of Swindon.
The confidence and support provided to Swindon Heritage Preservation brings closer the reality of a restored theatre. This grant along with the positive approach taken by Swindon Borough Council and the Theatres Trust is just the boost the project needs.
As a result we can now produce a post COVID-19 Pandemic viability study to steer the project to a sustainable future.
Bob Wright, Chair of Swindon Heritage Preservation says:
“We are delighted to secure £10,000 in grant funding for the Mechanics’ Institution which will be used to identify a sustainable future for the building which respects its past role as a centre of community and culture in the heart of Swindon.”
“The funding secured by Swindon Heritage Preservation will support ongoing efforts to identify and secure a new future for the building and bring closer the reality of a restored theatre.”
“There is much work still to be done but the support of the Theatres Trust brings the restoration of the building one step closer to reality.”
“We will now work closely with Theatres Trust, Swindon Borough Council and other partners to identify next steps and fully maximise the benefits of this grant to fulfil our mission to the people of Swindon – to bring back Swindon’s heritage.”
Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities
The Mechanics’ Institute is one of 10 theatres to receive funding through the third round of the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities grants programme. The Theatres Trust, the national advisory body for theatres, runs the programme. It aims to help progress the restoration, reopening or revitalising of ‘At Risk’ Theatres by funding expert support.
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust says:
“All the theatres on our Theatres at Risk Register are special buildings that have real potential to bring joy and opportunities to their communities. Theatres Trust is delighted to support Mechanics’ Institute with this project that will help it move a step closer to its ultimate goal.”
The other theatres to receive funding in this round are: Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet, Derby Hippodrome, Doncaster Grand, Margate Theatre Royal, Morecambe Winter Gardens, Oswaldtwistle Civic Centre and Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock, Salford Victoria Theatre, Theatr Ardudwy in Harlech.
The theatres are all on the Theatres at Risk Register 2025, published by Theatres Trust in January. The register highlights and supports theatres across the country that are at risk of closure or demolition and which have architectural and community merit.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and Swire Charitable Trust fund the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme.
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