Swindon Heritage Preservation have today announced a grant award of £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to secure the next phase of restoration for the historic Cricketers’ building, located at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village.
The grant will support the revitalisation of an important Grade II listed heritage and community asset, and support Swindon Heritage Preservation in delivering new opportunities for community, education, and enterprise.
Funding will be used to complete the conservation of the remaining ground floor area, including the bar, kitchen, toilet block and storage room, with the strategy of returning these spaces back into permanent community use. This follows the successful completion of the lounge room and basement in autumn 2024, alongside the restoration of the building’s outdated utilities and structural integrity.
Private hiring of The Cricketers’ lounge can be made by visiting www.mechanics-trust.org.uk/bookings/ or by contacting bookings@mechanics-trust.org.uk. Private tours of the building are also available upon request.
Delivering Regeneration in Swindon Central
The grant will enable the restoration of a valued heritage asset and secure the sustainable future of an important part of Swindon’s industrial and social history, with the aim of supporting community wellbeing, social capital and belonging.
The full restoration of the ground floor will provide flexible modern spaces for community groups, businesses, family and friends to meet, work, relax, and learn more about Swindon’s rich heritage.
In the long-term, the grant will create further opportunities for the complete restoration of the building and support Swindon Heritage Preservation in its strategic mission to conserve Swindon’s historic buildings and social history. The funding will also support the organisational sustainability of Swindon Heritage Preservation as it takes on new responsibilities and works with local partners to advance the cause of conservation across the Borough.
The restoration of The Cricketers’ ultimately reflects the wider regeneration of Swindon Central as a re-emerging destination for education, community, and culture and strengthens the case for the rescue and restoration of the Mechanics’ Institute.
Bob Wright, Chair of Swindon Heritage Preservation, said:
‘We are delighted to have secured £249,950 in grant funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the next phase of the Cricketers’ restoration.’
‘Over the past two years, we have successfully delivered the first two phases of the restoration work and are delighted to receive this latest round of grant funding to enable us to complete the conservation of the entire ground floor area.’
‘The funding will also support our organisational capabilities and resources as we expand our work in championing Swindon’s rich heritage and delivering opportunities for community empowerment and cultural pride.’
‘A big thank you to all our supporters and volunteers – and the National Lottery players who made this grant possible – together, we will bring back Swindon’s heritage.’
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
‘We’re proud to support Swindon Heritage Preservation with this project – it marks an important step in restoring the Cricketers building and unlocking its potential as a vibrant community space.’
‘Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will help bring new life to this historic building and create lasting opportunities for learning, connection, and pride in local heritage.’
